By Ayathuray Rajasingam –
Ayathuray Rajasingam
Today parents are concerned whether the freedom of movement of women & girls has become a burning issue. They have been the target of cruel punishment and torture. The recent rape and murder of Vidya from Pungudutivu sends the message that revenge is the emotion of anger coupled with the desire for destruction, in addition to many similar incidents earlier. Such heinous crimes are committed not only by barbaric citizens but also by the armed security forces and politicians, in spite of the celebration of International Women’s Day as well as the Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women. What is astonishing is that women and girls are gang raped as punishment for men’s crimes in some countries. Such a brutal form of violence perpetrated on women and girls, which is considered as a kind of wild justice to suppress their basic freedoms, has to be condemned by all civilized societies.
As against cruel punishment and torture there is a concept called loving-kindness promoted by Lord Buddha. Forgiveness is a quality in a human being which distinguishes a human being from an animal. Forgiveness is the essence of life. In Christianity, Jesus speaks of Christians forgiving or showing mercy towards others. Similarly, in Buddhism forgiveness is seen as a practice to prevent harmful thoughts and recognizes that feelings of ill-will leave a lasting effect on our mind. Likewise a number of Hindu Saints had preached at intermittent periods that practising forgiveness is the biggest boon to mankind from God. Lord Krishna states that forgiveness is one of the characteristics of one born for a divine state. Leading personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Dalai Lama, etc have practised forgiveness to its extreme in their life. Practising to forgive will pave way to rise to a higher bracket in one’s life, than executing in a barbarous way.
Cruelty involves violence at the expense of the suffering of humans and even animals, where the offender enjoys pleasure in inflicting harm. Violence originates from the disrespect for love and compassion. In general, all religions discourage violence and promote love and compassion, though there were religious wars earlier. Though cruelty involves violence, sometimes violence need not be an essential element. Helpless persons are allowed to suffer when mighty persons remain doing nothing with disinterest especially in a country after an aggrieved community is defeated militarily after an uprising. The failure to realize the natural function of loving-kindness contributes to the existing situation.
It is sad when politicians celebrate victory after an aggrieved community is defeated, when, in fact, they should have shown mercy towards those helpless people. They have made such celebrations cheap without respecting the worthiness of the opponents, especially the womenfolk. Religion plays a vital role in this aspect. Soon after the victory at Kalinga War, Emperor Asoka was given a sermon by a Buddhist monk, which had a great impact of transforming him into a noble character. He realized that religion should not have the characteristics as a faith for military conquests, but a conquest of mind through love and compassion which discourage cruel punishment and torture. He realized the significance of Ahimsa. Ahimsa is a religious concept which signals the respect for human life. This is what is lacking in the minds of some politicians, armed Security Forces, religious leaders and some citizens in Sri Lanka, though they boast of 2500 years of Buddhist civilization. Ahimsa is the core of righteousness. Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ through his Ten Commandments and various prominent religious figures emphasized the significance of tolerance, love, patience, righteousness and discouraged any action by the sword. In fact, Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ, Swami Vivekananda, M.Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Dalai Lama and other leaders ruled out revenge for his followers for the betterment of mankind.
In developing countries like Sri Lanka, the violation of human rights cannot be separated from the struggles for power between rival groups. The removal of defeated politicians from the political scene are instrumental for the creation of a complex situation and cannot be ruled out for violation of human rights, especially when such defeated politicians are charged of mass corruptions. Violations of human rights such as rape and murder usually take place with the view to deviate the attention of the public to such heinous crimes. Such cruel punishments on women and girls compel the Government to lose the hearts and minds of the public because of the unruly and undesirable characters within the society who are instrumental for the distribution of illicit drugs, which is a challenge to social discipline. In such a complex situation the delay in tracing the suspected criminals tantamount to the maxim that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’
The remedy to neutralize the cruel punishment and torture resulting from evil thoughts and retaliation is to practice cultivating non-violence which is very effective. Retaliation stimulates wickedness which stems from the mind. Lord Buddha expressed that Universal Love is the greatest virtue which has the force of suppressing emotions. When wickedness and evil thoughts filled the world with violence and drenched with human blood, the existence of social discipline becomes a questionable issue. There cannot be any peace and solidarity until the petty-minded people give up the evil thoughts and retaliation.
It is natural that every person desires to have power and glory. But majority of the people desires to have power and glory in an improper way. They forget to abide by the teachings of religion. Religion means Dharma and Morality. Morality means adherence to truth and non-violence. If religion deviates from morality, it assumes the characteristic of a cult. They failed to realize that non-violence was emphasized to the word tolerance which is common to all religions. Moreover, the failure to realize that all religions are equal before God (because one is supplementary to the other religions), saw the lack of bringing the mind gradually and systematically under control. This, in turn, saw the birth of cruel punishment and torture on women and girls through man-made laws. It was also surprising that the lack of tolerance by petty-minded politicians was a disgrace to the country when unwanted pressure was applied on the former Chief Justice Dr.(Mrs) Shirani Bandaranayake signalling the lack of social discipline in the country. One ponders whether the elements of humanity, forgiveness and tolerance are ingrained in those in power.
Moreover, a faith should not move beyond a religion to become a political movement which seeks domination to the extent of discouraging other faiths and engage in cruel punishment. Accordingly places of worship are not expected to be transformed into a hotbed of extremism and centre of indoctrination. Religion should never call for death to unbelievers. Even the ancient Hindu scriptures (the Vedas) mentioned that there was complete equality for women. Unfortunately with the invasion of foreigners, women’s rights were robbed. But today with the introduction of equal access to education, women have re-merged and excelled in various fields and demonstrated the past glorified women’s role which reminds the will power and strength of Sita as found in Ramayana.
It is time to recall what Swami Vivekananda mentioned about women – ‘The highest of all feminine types is Mother, because Mother never deserts her child, whereas others at some point or other will tend to desert’. Further Swami Vivekananda mentioned that ‘all Nations have attained greatness by paying proper respect to women. Any country that disrespects women have never became great’. Canada, USA and the European democratic countries had endorsed the view of Swami Vivekananda where women are ensured equality and are prominent figures in their countries. If this truth can be taught at schools and places of worship, then it paves way for ensuring social discipline where women will be respected by all.
One of the goals of parents, teachers and religious leaders is to help develop children into well-adjusted members of society. They have a moral duty towards the younger generation to preach that forgiveness is a process of concluding anger aroused by something felt to be wrong as a result of a perceived offense. The teaching that tolerance gives spiritual insight which is far from fanaticism, is a must. Forgiveness is the essence of life. All religions encourage the disappearance of ill will from the mind. They also remind that if a woman or girl is educated, then the whole family is educated. If situations and conditions in society will not allow negative emotional feelings to be aroused, especially among the youth, then innocent women and girls including foreign tourists would have escaped cruel punishment and death.
Amarasiri / June 12, 2015
Ayathuray Rajasingam
Talk to the Saudi ambassador.
Ask them how they do it.
Ask others as well.
In the meantime in Lanka girls, and women are being raped and killed.
Oh, what have the Paras dine to the Land of Native (Veddah) Aethho?
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Kum / June 13, 2015
Amarasiri,
Are the Saudi Ambasadors aware of the Vedas which mentioned that there was complete equality for women. It appears that the Vedas is in conformity with the UN Declaration of Human Rights. As such will the Saudi Ambassadors protest over the UN Declaration of Human Rights, at a time there were maintaining silence over the beheading of women, stoning to death of women & lashing of women for men’s crimes. Amarasiri, since Lord Buddha also endorsed the contentions of the Vedas, it is for you to decide whether the assertions of the Vedas should be implemented in Sri Lanka.
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Amarasiri / June 13, 2015
Kum
Vedas etc. need to be supported by true and repeatable data, not just beliefs.
1. “Are the Saudi Ambasadors aware of the Vedas which mentioned that there was complete equality for women.”
The Saudis Follow Wahhabism, called Ibism, Satanism, Shaitanism, ideology. A good part of that ideology has to do with killing others, by labelling others non-Wahhabis or non-Iblis. They DO NOT Follow Islam. Because they are good at killing. they could be used to kill rapists.
Scholar from al-Azhar: Wahhabism is a Satanic Faith, the Horn of the Devil that Muhammad Predicted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufxTUFapy1w
True, Wahhabis treat women badly like chattel. It is their Tribal culture. They allowed women to own property when the West did not allow to own and inherit.
2. “Amarasiri, since Lord Buddha also endorsed the contentions of the Vedas, it is for you to decide whether the assertions of the Vedas should be implemented in Sri Lanka.”
Vedas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedas
Read what Buddha said to Ananda about Women. Very revealing, as to what he thought of women in 500 BC.
Hindu practice treated women very badly.
Women when their husbands died were thrown into the fire. This practice was stopped by the Muslims. Buddhists did not stop this proctice , and they claimed that it was Karma.
The Vedas (/ˈveɪdəz, ˈviː-/;[1] Sanskrit: वेद véda, “knowledge”) are a large body of texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.[2][3] Hindus consider the Vedas to be apauruṣeya, which means “not of a man, superhuman”[4] and “impersonal, authorless”.[5][6][7]
Vedas are also called śruti (“what is heard”) literature,[8] distinguishing them from other religious texts, which are called smṛti (“what is remembered”). The Veda, for orthodox Indian theologians, are considered revelations, some way or other the work of the Deity.[9] In the Hindu Epic the Mahabharata, the creation of Vedas is credited to Brahma.[10]
There are four Vedas: the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda.[11][12] Each Veda has been subclassified into four major text types – the Samhitas (mantras and benedictions), the Aranyakas (text on rituals, ceremonies, sacrifices and symbolic-sacrifices), the Brahmanas (commentaries on rituals, ceremonies and sacrifices), and the Upanishads (text discussing meditation, philosophy and spiritual knowledge).[11][13][14] Some scholars add fifth category – the Upasanas (worship).[15][16]
The various Indian philosophies and denominations have taken differing positions on the Vedas. Schools of Indian philosophy which cite the Vedas as their scriptural authority are classified as “orthodox” (āstika). Other Sramana traditions, such as Lokayata, Carvaka, Ajivika, Buddhism and Jainism, which did not regard the Vedas as authorities are referred to as “heterodox” or “non-orthodox” (nāstika) schools.[17] Despite their differences, just like Sramana traditions, various Hindu traditions dwell on, express and teach similar ideas such as karma (retributive action) and moksha (liberation) in the fourth layer of the Vedas – the Upanishads.[17]
Buddhist and Hindu Karma – Religions and Brainwashing
Buddhism The Great Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNOfTGSADdY
Buddhism The Great- Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clcs2PSze0I
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Amarasiri / June 13, 2015
Kum
Alternative Views on Buddhism.
“Amarasiri, since Lord Buddha also endorsed the contentions of the Vedas, it is for you to decide whether the assertions of the Vedas should be implemented in Sri Lanka.”
What have we achieved? A 30 year Civil war. A Monk Mahanama etc.
Let us learn to call a Spade, a Spade.
The Case Against Buddhism — Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfCiiojsuDM
Christopher Hitchens on the Catholic Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU2SJn70FAc
Giordano Bruno
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giordano_Bruno
Imprisonment, trial and execution, 1593–1600
During the seven years of his trial in Rome, Bruno was held in confinement, lastly in the Tower of Nona. Some important documents about the trial are lost, but others have been preserved, among them a summary of the proceedings that was rediscovered in 1940.[27]
The numerous charges against Bruno, based on some of his books as well as on witness accounts, included
blasphemy, immoral conduct, and heresy in matters of dogmatic theology, and involved some of the basic doctrines of his philosophy and cosmology. Luigi Firpo lists these charges made against Bruno by the Roman Inquisition:[28]
holding opinions contrary to the Catholic faith and speaking against it and its ministers;
holding opinions contrary to the Catholic faith about the Trinity, divinity of Christ, and Incarnation;
holding opinions contrary to the Catholic faith pertaining to Jesus as Christ;
holding opinions contrary to the Catholic faith regarding the virginity of Mary, mother of Jesus;
holding opinions contrary to the Catholic faith about both Transubstantiation and Mass;
claiming the existence of a plurality of worlds and their eternity;
believing in metempsychosis and in the transmigration of the human soul into brutes;
dealing in magics and divination.
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Kal / June 12, 2015
Beautiful. His analysis is in a civilized way of thinking. Colombo Teleghraph thank you very much. Atleast you are raising a voice for the helpless women and girls.
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Marwan / June 12, 2015
Notoriously skewed writer. No reference to Islam or Prophet, but praises Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ and Hindhu teachings. Islam has the second largest following in the world, with Christians being the first with the largest. But Jesus Christ never married during his life time, so there was no involvement of a woman in his life. Lord Buddha did marry and had a son, but left them without informing never to return during their life time. The Prophet of Islam married and had children, and showed many examples of how we must maintain good and decent relationship with women and children, and this writer has found nothing fair and news worthy to write about Islamic teachings on treatment of women and children. What an irony. There are a ton of material out there for those interested to know the truth about how Islam respects and cares for them.
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Paul / June 12, 2015
‘No reference to Islam or Prophet, but praises Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ and Hindhu teachings’
That is because he has probably read the Quran and knows its instructions on treating women.
http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/quran/index.htm
If you want to call this an Islam hate website, give us a site that has the Koran you approve of and we will look for the same verses.
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Paul / June 12, 2015
Marwan can you provide a link to a translation of the Koran that you approve of? I will then show you how it treats women. Thanks.
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Ahmed Reza / June 13, 2015
Paul, from your comments published before I know you are not a great admirer of Islam. However, in the belief that non-believers have also (unwittingly) served the cause of Islam, I am giving you the link to a great modern translation of the Holy Quran:
http://www.studyquran.org/resources/Quran_Reformist_Translation.pdf
I quote below a recommendation by Caner Taslaman, PhD’s in Theology and Political Science; Post doc fellow at Harvard University. He is also the author of:
The Quran: Unchallengeable Miracle;
The Big Bang and God;
The Theory of
Evolution and God; and
The Invented Religion.
Quote:
“With its lucid language, brilliant theological and philosophic arguments, Edip Yüksel removes the smoke of distortions and ignorance generated by clergymen that have concealed the light of the Quran from masses. Pulling our attention to numerous scientific evidences supporting the authenticity of the divine nature of the Quran, the Reformist Translation is destined to create a Copernican Revolution in the realm of religions. I highly recommend it to Agnostics, Skeptics, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, or anyone who seeks truth about God without suppressing or compromising their brains.”
Unquote.
These I leave with you and beseech Allah to grant you the wisdom and patience to read and understand the 520 pages of the book.
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Paul / June 14, 2015
Thank you so much.
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Paul / June 14, 2015
Just one example.
I see it does not say that amputating hands is cruel. It just widens the punishment to mean marking the hand to humiliate the thief or cutting off his resources or actually amputating his hands.
This savage and cruel punishment is still there in the words of Allah!
You are right about one thing though; I am no admirer of Islam, neither as practiced nor as found in the Koran.
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Ahmed Reza / June 14, 2015
Paul I am glad you took the trouble to peruse to Dr Edip Yuksel’s translation of the Quran – a translation undertaken always keeping in mind the oft repeated characteristic of Allah “Arrahman, Arraheem”, – The Gracious, The Compassionate. “Cut off the hands” is the extreme, to match the gravest form of theft imaginable. I doubt whether even Basil Rajapaksa’s theft of the Divineguma Funds qualifies for this punishment. Cutting off hands does not conform to the characteristics of “compassionate, gracious”, the preface to every chapter of the Quran. One has to be reasonable when translating. Edip’s translation includes the meaning “cut off their means”.
‘Cut’ has many meanings in Arabic; it is unfortunate that conventional translations have chosen the worst. “Cut” can mean even “cut off the need to steal – like for example, rehabilitation, alleviation of the poverty, providing a means of livelihood, providing facilities to earn a living, or most commonly keep him confined for a specified period of time – jail. This is the context of Surah 5:38 which says “mark, cut, or cut-off their hands/means”.
It is mischievous to say that the Quran mandates that a little girls hands should be severed from her body if she stole a few coconuts. That’s a lie.
I am a Muslim, and I do not consider that the Government of Saudi Arabia is governing the country according to Islamic principles. If you observe international politics you will see that the Zionist entity is the boss, the US is the unconditional benefactor, because every US politician depends on Zionist funds to win elections, and Saudi Arabia acts as a crony in exchange for the US guarantee that every future Saudi King will only come through the Saudi Royal Penis. There is proof that ISIS origin can be traced to the actions of the ZIONIST / US entity with Saudi Arabia’s collaboration. The bestial version of Islam practiced in that country is in complete accord with the Zionist propaganda that Islam is a cruel religion. The truth is the reverse.
The Quran is a complete guide to live a righteous life. The usual English translations have done enormous harm to the spirit of Islam. I beg you to be patient. Eip Yuksel has devoted three decades to studying the Quran and translating it. His translation is said to be the closest so far to Allah’s word.
The pdf file ref (http://www.studyquran.org/resources/Quran_Reformist_Translation.pdf)
I gave you is for a 520 page book. To appreciate what kind of a book this is just read page 7. If you have any questions you can write to me at sterling499@hotmail.com
May Allah’s blessings and guidance be with you.
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Native Vedda / June 15, 2015
Paul
Please read this Pakistani Hypocrisy which has nothing to do with Islam or has it:
Women wearing jeans – let’s unleash the Pakistani army to stop them
Pakistani politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman said this weekend that women wearing jeans can cause earthquakes and inflation. He thinks women should be covered like a “sack of flour”, otherwise they are literally weapons of mass destruction. His logic: they are the reason for Taliban attacking Pakistan, and the military must be called in to stop them (women, not Taliban)
indiatimes.com/news/india/women-wearing-jeans
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Jeya / June 12, 2015
Today as freedom of movement is considered as a fundamental right, there should not be any threat to women’s freedom. In Western countries this right of movement is ensured though there are few incidents. But everyone is taught to appreciate the freedom of women at schools and places of worship. It is only in Asia, Africa and Middle-East countries men are sticking to the narrow-minded ideologies and tend to inflict harm on women. I think Swami Vivekananda had foreseen this and stressed the importance of women in society, which the West had appreciated. Will Sri Lankan politicians, armed security forces and even some private individuals realize the truth asserted by Swami Vivekananda, Lord Buddha and Jesus Christ. This is the curse of Sri Lanka.
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Kum / June 12, 2015
Having read carefully, I find it sensible suggestions. Extremism is always evil. Good approach by the writer. Hope it reaches the Sri Lankan politicians.
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Ahmed Reza / June 13, 2015
Ayathurai, the Muslim hater, has written again; but this time no mention of the words Muslim or Islam. At the same time his hate compels him to stray into his favourite pastime by repeating the oft bandied slander that Muslims are commanded to kill non-Muslim by saying “Religion should never call for death to unbelievers”.
The Quran in Chapter 60 Verse 8 instructs Muslims regarding how they should treat non-Muslims: “Allah does not forbid you to treat kindly and act equitably towards those who have neither fought you in the matter of religion nor driven you out of your homes. Indeed Allah loves the just.”
Ayathurai proceeds to dispense a shallow hotchpotch of suggestions regarding forgiveness as a panacea to cure the evils of mankind – mainly taken from Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. Clearly he has no idea what he is talking about as every recognized religion accepts there can be no justice without punishment being meted out to wrong doers. If that is the case there will be no need for Criminal Law and the Courts in civilized Society.
He takes his guidance from a few utterances by Gautama who abandoned his wife and child, from Jesus who never married nor lived to a mature age, and mistakenly ascribing the Ten Commandments to him, and of course extolling the wisdom of his own venerated Swami Vivekananda. These three mentioned are mere mortals, who cannot speak beyond their measly experience, and Ayathurai needlessly has toiled so much to reinvent the wheel.
If Ayathurai’s hate did not blind him he would have seen the following Commandments in the Holy Quran, Surah Anaam, revealed by God 1400 years ago for the guidance of Man:
6:151 Say, “Come let me recite to you what your Lord has forbidden for you: that you should not set up anything with Him; and be kind to your parents; and do not kill your born children for fear of poverty, We provide for you and for them; and do not come near lewdness, what is plain of it or subtle; and do not kill the person which God has forbidden, except in justice. That is what He enjoined you that you may comprehend.”
[Note for Ayathuray: This is the time that Hindus were burning female infants at birth, because they were perceived to be of no economic value. Continues today?]
6:152 “Do not come near the money of the orphan, except for what is best, until he reached his maturity; and give honestly full measure and weight equitably. We do not burden a person beyond its capacity. When you speak you must observe justice, even if against a relative. You shall also observe the pledges you made to God. He has enjoined you this so that you may take heed.”
6:153 This is My path, a Straight One. “So follow it, and do not follow the other paths lest they divert you from His path. That is what He has enjoined you so that you may be aware.”
Elucidation of above is provided in the Quran, (Surah Israh) Ch 17: Verses 23 to 38.
17:23 Your Lord decreed that you shall not serve except Him, and do good to your parents. When one of them or both of them reaches old age, do not say to them a word of disrespect nor raise your voice at them, but say to them a kind saying.
17:24 Lower for them the wing of humility through mercy, and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they have raised me when I was small.”
17:25 Your Lord is fully aware of what is in yourselves. If you are good, then He is to those who repent a Forgiver.
17:26 Give the relative his due, and the poor, and the wayfarer; and do not waste excessively.
17:27 Those who waste excessively are brothers to the devils, and the devil was an unappreciative of his Lord.
17:28 If you turn away from them to seek a mercy from your Lord which you desire, then say to them a gentle
saying.
17:29 Do not make your hand stingy by holding it to your neck, nor shall you make it fully open so you become in despair and regret.
17:30 Your Lord lays out openly the provision for whom He wishes, and He is able to do so. He is Ever-aware and
Watcher to His servants.
17:31 Do not kill your born children out of fear of poverty; We shall provide for you and them. The killing of them was a big mistake.
17:32 Do not go near adultery, for it is a sin and an evil path.
17:33 Do not kill, for God has made this forbidden, except in the course of justice. Whoever is killed unjustly,
then We have given his heir authority. Since he received help let him not transgress in the taking of a life.
17:34 Do not go near the orphan’s money, except for what is best, until he reaches maturity. Fulfill your oath, for the oath brings responsibility.
17:35 Give full measure when you deal, and weigh with a balance that is straight. That is good and better in the end.
17:36 Do not uphold what you have no knowledge of. For the hearing, eyesight, and mind, all these are held responsible for that.
17:37 Do not walk in the land arrogantly, for you will not penetrate the earth, nor will you reach the mountains in height.
17:38 All of this is bad, and disliked by your Lord.
Specifically as to the rights bestowed on women by Islam, the Quran is full of it. Here are a few exerpts:
2:228 And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women.
33:35 (Illustrating the equality accorded to both men and women in Islam) For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.
43:70 Enter into Paradise, you and your wives, with delight.
16:97 Who so does that which is right, and believes, whether male or female, him or her will We quicken to happy life.
4:1 O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from this pair scattered (like seeds) countless men and women. Reverence Allah, through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and reverence the wombs (that bore you); for Allah ever watches over you.
4:19 O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them – except when they have become guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike something and Allah will bring about through it a great deal of good.
Ayathurai’s hate is so intense that his mind and heart are befogged. The Quran describes the likes of him in Surah Baqara as follows:
2:18 Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not revert.
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Rama / June 13, 2015
Ahmed Reza & Marwan,
Why blame the writer. Your charge is that he has not mentioned about Islam. Today we are living in an era where democratic freedom is ensured to everyone, irrespective of gender. But when news appear that women are been stoned to death, their heads been chopped, and even lashing them for men’s crimes, how do you expect the writer to write about Islam. First respect the women, even if she had committed a crime, and not to engage in cruel punishment. Moreover, are you not aware of the reported news items relating to the number of women and girls been raped by the ISIS and sold in markets. Has Islamic religious leaders condemned such barbaric punishment. Even in Pakistan, a Pakistani actress Veena Malik had been punished because of her courageous opinion. Where is her freedom? Freedom is precious and what is vital is forgiveness. Forgiveness is the essence of life as the writer asserts. Speak of today. Why don’t you get some views from the women?
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Ahmed Reza / June 13, 2015
The Quran describes you accurately:”Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not revert.”
If you want a serious discussion read what I have written in my comment and write a meaningful response. Read particularly the first para.
I have also written about the exalted position granted to the woman in the Quran. No other religion protects the rights, dignity and honour of women as Islam does. Perhaps you are not aware that there is no power that can contradict the Quran. Whatever is decreed in the Quran is binding on every Muslim. The same rules regarding chastity and modesty apply to both men AND women. In Islam Woman is not the property of man as some other religions permit. Why did Sri Lanka have to pass special legislation called “Married Women’s Property Ordinance? Because Hindu and Buddhist women had had no property rights. Read 33:35 in my comment. I agree that the Quran does not permit the woman (and man) to walk on the streets exposing the private parts. You are not bound by the Quran. So do you encourage your mother sister or wife to flirt with men, engage in salacious conversation, expose their private parts in public places, even engage in adultery or fornication?
Like every religion, Islam too has its share of ignorant practitioners. That’s not the fault of Islam. Followers of Hinduism too. Not heard of any female newborns being murdered by its Hindu parents?
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Rama / June 19, 2015
Ahmed Reza,
Quran describes you accurately: ”Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not revert.”
Now there is a recent news item which states that 150 Yazidi women & girls committed suicide after they were forced to become Islamic State sex slaves, sending the message of Islamic State brutality. Are you all not ‘deaf, dumb and blind’ when such tragedy occurs.
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Marwan / June 13, 2015
Firstly, this writers histrionics of castigating Muslims and everything Islamic is quite obnoxious to say the least. In fact he is inflicted with a phobia and has regular bouts which we have had to defend to put things right and in the correct perspective. Our only sources are God’s word as revealed in the Holy Quran and real life incidents from the life of our beloved Prophet as reported in his Hadith (collection of narrations of Prophet’s lifestyles and practices).
Secondly, what is happening with IS, ISIS or ISIL (you can take your pick) is not real Islam as many are made to believe. Their’s is a political war of revenge for what they underwent under the Shiite ruler of Iraq Al Maliki (a puppet regime) propped up by the Bush administration. It was his mad idea to purge the Baathist party members from his government and sent the strong Iraqi army home and made them jobless. Now it is pay-back time as they (former army soldiers) have joined forces to form their own coalition to win back their rights and in the process are also using their religion to attract mercenaries and new combatants from all over the world. People are confused if this war of attrition is a religious war against the non-believers (Kufars) or a political battle between Shiite and the minority Sunnis.
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Rama / June 14, 2015
Marwan,
You maintain ‘our beloved Prophet’. I agree, but some prominent figures like Sir Winston Churchill, French Philosopher Montesque, and many others had criticized him. But here is a case the writer has not uttered about Islam. Why do you want him to praise about Islam. He has already mentioned that all religions are equal before God. How do you account for that.
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Marwan / June 14, 2015
No one needs to praise Islam, least of them be this writer. Islam can and will survive on its own as it has done for 1436 years and will continue to do so well into eternity as it is the only true religion sent down by God to all of humanity. In fact it is presently considered to be the fastest growing religion in the world.
What I take offense is when a writer praises religious leaders, firstly he must report facts and be fair to all adherents of all religions and must not suffer from selective amnesia, or not mention any at all. When the facts are so obvious and he avoids even a mention, then his strategy must be exposed, that which is not fair in reporting and he is being biased for his own reasons, and the correct facts be laid out in fairness to affected parties. I can only present views based on my religion and that is exactly what I have done in this instance. His shortcomings are so glaring and bold that it leaves a gaping hole even in his choice of actors, and that too has been aligned and exposed in the correct perspective.
Just as you mention a few critiques of Islam, there are even a greater number of world famous thinkers, scientists and writers who have praised Islam, and an even greater number who took the bold step and reverted to Islam. These criterion mean nothing in terms of opinions and numbers, but what is important is to live and practice Islam. This is where the true benefits of being Muslim is derived.
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Navin / June 14, 2015
Rama
Winston Churchill described Mahatma Gandhi as a “half naked fakir” (meaning beggar). It says so much for the uncivilized nature of your expert on human character!!
Churchill’s criticm of the Prophet, beloved by a billion people, only belittles Churchill, not Prophet Mohammed.
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Rama / June 14, 2015
Marwan & Ahmed Reza,
The writer is only concerned of suggestions to end cruel punishment on women & girls. He has not condemned any faiths. I thank you for giving all the details of how Islam respects women. But have your Muslim leaders stood by such verses in the Quran.
First when the impeachment motion was brought against the former Chief Justice Dr.(Mrs) Shirani Bandaranayake, have any of your Muslim leaders condemned the behaviour of the Rajapaksas. Thereafter, your leader Rauff Hakim went to the extent of criticizing the judgment of the Supreme Court. Thereafter, the behaviour of Muslim political leaders and other Muslims together with SLFP politicians behaved in an uncivilized manner. Moreover, When she was about to leave the Courts Complex to the Parliament to appear before the PSC, just imagine how the Muslims with other SLFPers behaved. Is this the way Quran taught how to respect women?
Further, regarding Kumari’s death, was there any juctive given to Kumari. If you are so concerned of Islam why can’t you insist that Rauff Hakim steps down gracefully from politics.
Next, are you aware how Rishard Badurdeen snatched lands belonging to the Tamil widows after the defeat of the LTTE?
Next, when 9/11 bombings, London subway bombings, Mumbai bombings, etc took place, are you aware that these are places considered as homes to all communities where women were also present. Have these terrorists paid any respect towards these women.
Next, what is wrong when women have equal liberty with men. They have contributed a lot for the benefit of mankind. This is why Swami Vivekananda insisted that women be treated as mothers. Educate a girl, then the whole family is been educated which also extends to the entire world. In Pakistan, was there any justice given to the Pakistani actress Veena malik. The offence she has committed was a courageous opinion. What is wrong in it. After all she is also a mother and not a chattel. Just imagine how they kill passengers in a bus, explode bombs at public places where women are also present.
The list is long.
It is easier to quote verses, but what matters is action. It is absured to blame the writer, when he has written that all religions are equal before God and that one is supplementary to the other.
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Marwan / June 14, 2015
You need to put things into perspective. You are cherry picking incidents from here, there and everywhere and blamng it on Muslims and Islam which makes no sense.
What happened at ex CJ’s impeachment motion and outside courts and the Muslim Ministers silence in not condemning it. I mean, why don’t you write some sense. We Muslims were taken to task by Bodu Bala Sena army and we couldn’t defend ourselves, do you think we Muslims had the strength in numbers to say anything against the Rajapakse regime – except to show in our collective vote to oust him? And then the so called Kumari’s suicide have nothing to do with Islam nor its teachings. Those were incidents of personal nature and nothing has been established and proved in Courts and blame has not been apportioned, although it is you who claim as such, purely based on rumors, hearsay and media reports.
These are not based on real or true facts and even if they did, this has no bearing on the religious background of the individual who committed the crime but rather on the individual himself, be he a Buddhist, Hindhu or Muslim. This is natural justice. Islam and its teachings has noting to do with it.
You even claim a Muslim minister snatched land from Tamil widow just to spike the animosity and make it sound more offensive, but the facts may be quite different. If those facts are proved in a Court of Law, she can always claim her land back. We are living in a Democratic country.
But as far as I know, this Muslim minister is doing a stellar job fighting against all odds to settle Muslim IDPs back in their own lands and lands identified for resettlement by the previous government. So it boils down to which side you represent. Nothing is carved out on stone.
Whatever that happens in Pakistan is for the Pakistan authorities to handle and does not involve Muslims and Islam as practiced in the rest of the world. This is like saying Buddhism must take the rap for all what Bodu Bala is doing to rake up the muck with their theatrics of drunken and bad behavior.
The reason why the Quran was brought into question was because some versus were being used out of context and the facts needed to be established.
All in all, facts are stubborn and it will always be difficult for you to understand the Muslim lifestyle which is quite different to what most others (non-Muslims) would consider to be the norm. Just look at all the Middle Eastern Muslim countries, as long as you don’t break the Law, those countries are a haven to earn and save money with least crimes committed, jails are virtually empty since public embarrassment by caning and capital punishment (Sharia Law at least in partial) is implemented as the best deterrent. But if you are on the wrong side of the law, then it will become too hot to handle and then the critiques like you will start working overtime.
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Naomali de Silva / June 14, 2015
Here is a response to Ahmed Reza
Quranic Verses. Islam the religion of peace
(i) Fight against them until idolatry is no more and Allah’s religion reigns supreme (chapter 2 verse 193). (ii) I shall cast terror into the hearts of the infidels. Strike off their heads, maim them in every limb (chapter 8, verse 12) (iii) Believers! make war on the infidels who dwell around you. Let them find harshness in you. (chapter 9, verse 123) (iv) Fighting is obligatory for you, much as you dislike it. But you may hate a thing although it is good for you, and love a thing although it is bad for you. Allah knows, but you do not. (chapter 2, verse 216) (v) O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is one of them. (chapter 5, verse 51). (vi) When you meet the unbelievers in the battlefield, strike off their heads and when you have laid them low, bind your captives firmly. Then grant them their freedom or take ransom from them, until war shall lay down her armor. (chapter 47, verse 4) (vii) Prophet! make war on the unbelievers and the hyporcrites and deal sternly with them. Hell shall be their home, evil their fate (chapter 66, verse 9) (viii) Do not yield to the unbelievers, but fight them strenuously with this Koran. (chapter 25, verse 52). (ix) The unbelievers among the people of the book (i.e. Jews and Christians) and the pagans shall burn for ever in the fire of hell. They are the vilest of creatures (chapter 98, verse 51). (x) When the sacred months are over, slay the idol worshippers wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everythere for them. If they repent and take to prayer and pay the alms tax, let them go their way. Allah is forgiving and merciful. (chapter 9 verse 5)
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Ahmed Reza / June 14, 2015
Naomali de Silva
You are quite wrong to exclaim EUREKA like the Greek Archimedes. You have discovered nothing. The passages from the Quran you have quoted were revealed at the time when the Prophet Muhammed was being hunted down by his tribal adversaries, to kill him. The purpose of the revelation was to inform that it is one’s duty to attack in self defence even to the extent of killing the enemy. Our Penal Code also recognizes self defence as excusing the act of homicide.
By the way the translations provided by you have long been debunked. For example the correct translation of 2:193 should read “Fight them so there is no more persecution, and so that the system is God’s. If they cease, then there will be no aggression except against the
wicked.”
For a translation in accord with the oft repeated characteristic of Allah, “The Compassionate, The Merciful” read Edip Yuksel’s translation at http://www.studyquran.org/resources/Quran_Reformist_Translation.pdf
The passages quoted by you have been quoted by the ignorant and particularly the adversaries of Islam, out of context and always with erroneous translation. They have been replied by Islamic experts repeatedly. But the blind will not, and the evil refuse to see. That’s normal.
One of those replies I quote below. For a version that’s easier to read here’s the link:http://www.aboutjihad.com/terrorism/quran_misquote_part_2.php
15 Misquotes from the Quran (Part 2)
Misquoted Verse #6
“And slay them wherever ye catch them..” [Noble Quran 2:191]
A classic and popular example of what Muslim scholars, like Dr. Jamal Badawi, call a ‘cut and paste’ approach. Everything becomes so much easier for the Anti-Islamists when they remove the context. The solution for the Muslim is to simply replace the verse in its context:
“Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors. And kill them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for persecution and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, kill them. Such is the reward of those who reject faith. But if they cease, God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. The prohibited month, for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress ye likewise against him. But fear (the punishment of) God, and know that God is with those who restrain themselves.” [Noble Quran 2:190-194]
How many times do we see the above verse repeating the message to make it clear? These verses were revealed at a time when Muslims of Madinah were under constant attack from the Makkans. An example would be when the Makkans conducted the public crucifixion of the companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Khubaib bin Adi. These would be classified as ‘terrorist activities’ according to the modern usage of the term. So what does this verse say in this context? “Fight in the cause of God those who fight you”, “unless they (first) fight you there” – the context of this verse applies to those who initiate the attack against Muslims. And even after they attack, the verse makes it clear:
“But if they cease, God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Noble Quran 2:192]
And it also makes clear the purpose for what Muslims fight:
“Fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God”. [Noble Quran 2:193]
It is the duty of Muslims to defend humanity from oppression and persecution and to establish justice. Muslims believe that God has placed us here on earth as his deputy or viceroy, and thus, it is our duty to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, to establish peace and justice in the land. Dr. Maher Hathout writes the following on verses 2:190-194:
These verses were applicable to a particular situation or if, hypothetically, the same situation was to be repeated… Historically, fighting back against the aggressors was prohibited during the thirteen years of the Meccan period. After the migration to Medina and the establishment of the Islamic state, Muslims were concerned with how to defend themselves against aggression from their enemies. The aforementioned verses were revealed to enable them to protect the newly formed state by fighting in self-defence against those who fought them. However, the Quran clearly prohibits aggression. The verses explain that fighting is only for self-defence. Thus, a Muslim cannot commit aggression and kill innocent men, women, children, the sick, the elderly, monks, priests, or those who do not wish to fight. A Muslim is also mandated not to destroy plant life of livestock. (Hathout, Jihad vs. Terrorism; US Multimedia Vera International, 2002, p.49, emphasis added)
The historical context is something that must always be considered where developing an understanding of Quranic verses. Without knowing the circumstances behind the revelation, one cannot apply the verse as accurately. Sheikh Salman Al-Oadah writes about the general principles in Jihad:
Jihad can never be fought for worldly gain, for conquest, or even for revenge. Muslims must only fight to protect the lives, property, and freedoms of people, especially their freedom to worship Allah when that freedom is forcibly attacked. They are never allowed to attack innocent people, even when they are themselves attacked by the countrymen of those innocents. Any people that go against this established principle of Islamic Law and murder civilians are fighting against Islam and everything that it stands for. It is ludicrous for them to call this fighting a Jihad, a word that means striving in the cause of Islam. They are in fact murderers in the light of Islamic Law and should be treated as such.
There are strict and detailed laws in Islam, which Muslims must follow carefully. A military Jihad must be performed under these regulations. Abdullah Yusuf Ali writes about verse 2:190:
War is only permissible in self-defence, and under well-defined limits. When undertaken, it must be pushed with vigour, but not relentlessly, but only to restore peace and freedom for the worship of God. In any case strict limits must not be transgressed: women, children, old and infirm men should not be molested, nor trees and crops cut down, nor peace withheld when the enemy comes to terms. (Yusuf Ali, The Holy Quran, Text, Translation and Commentary)
He then re-iterates the general principles behind Jihad in his commentary on verse 2:191:
In general, it may be said that Islam is the religion of peace, goodwill, mutual understanding, and good faith. But it will not acquiesce in wrong-doing, and its men will hold their lives cheap in defence of honour, justice, and the religion which they hold sacred. Their ideal is that of heroic virtue combined with unselfish gentleness and tenderness, such as is exemplified in the life of the Apostle. They believe in courage, obedience, discipline, duty, and a constant striving by all the means in their power, physical, moral, intellectual, and spiritual, for the establishment of truth and righteousness. (Yusuf Ali, The Holy Quran, Text, Translation and Commentary)
This is the true focus behind Jihad, and Muslims must never lose this focus. Jihad is solely for the purpose of aiding humanity and bringing justice and freedom to the oppressed. Therefore, all actions must be in-line with this focus and the strict regulations governing Jihad. The focus is to defend, not destroy. One who focuses on the betterment and aid of humanity will realize that destruction will never achieve this. Abdul Majid Daryabadi writes extensively on verse 2:190:
“And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you” [Noble Quran 2:190]
Violating the truce they themselves had signed. The Muslims, after having borne untold persecution with almost superhuman fortitude for years and years at the hands of the pagans of Makkah, are now for the first time enjoined to take to reprisals. ‘For a full thirteen years the Muslims were subjected to relentless persecution in Mecca. The Prophet and his followers fled for life to Medina, but the enemy would not leave them alone in their refuge. They came to attack them within a year, and the first three battles were fought in the very locality which will whether the Prophet was an assailant or defendant’ (Headley, The Original Church of Jesus Christ and Islam, p. 155). The Makkans had signed a truce and were the first to break it. The words ‘fight with those who fight you’ clearly show, firstly, that the Muslims were not the aggressors, and secondly, that those of the enemy who were not actual combatants – children, women, monks, hermits, the aged and the infirm, the maimed, and the like – had nothing at all to fear from the Muslim soldiery. It was in light of this express Divine injunction that the great Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, charged his troops into Syria, ‘not to mutilate the dead, nor to slay old men, women, and children, nor to cut down fruit-trees, nor to kill cattle unless they were needed for food; and these humane precepts served like a code of laws of war during the career of Mohammadan conquest.’ (Bosworth Smith, Mohammed and Mohammedanism, p. 185). Has not Islam thus, in prescribing war against those who break God’s law, who challenge His righteous authority, and who fill the world with violence and injustice, made every concession short of the impossible? Has any code of military ethics been so chivalrous, so humane and so tender towards the enemy? ‘The moral tone adopted by the Caliph Abu Bakr, in his instructions to the Syrian army, was’, says a modern Christian historian, ‘so unlike the principles of the Roman government, that it must have commanded profound attention from a subject people. Such a proclamation announced to Jews and Christians’ sentiments of justice and principles of toleration which neither Roman emperors nor orthodox bishops had ever adopted as the rule of their conduct’ (Finlay, Greece Under the Romans, pp. 367-368). (Daryabadi, The Glorious Quran, emphasis added)
Muhammad Asad explains verse 2:190 in the following manner:
This and the following verses lay down unequivocally that only self-defence (in the widest sense of the word) makes war permissible for Muslims. Most of the commentators agree in that the expression “La ta’tadu” signifies, in this context, “do not commit aggression”; while by al-Mu’tadin “those who commit aggression” are meant. The defensive character of a fight “in God’s cause” – that is, in the cause of the ethical principles ordained by God – is, moreover, self-evident in the reference to “those who wage war against you”, and has been still further clarified in 22: 39 – “permission [to fight] is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged” – which, according to all available Traditions, constitutes the earliest (and therefore fundamental) Quranic reference to the question of jihad, or holy war (see Tabari and Ibn Kathir in their commentaries on 22: 39). That this early, fundamental principle of self-defence as the only possible justification of war has been maintained throughout the Quran is evident from 60: 8, as well as from the concluding sentence of 4: 91, both of which belong to a later period than the above verse. (Asad, The Message of the Quran, emphasis added)
And on verse 2:191, he states the following:
In view of the preceding ordinance, the injunction “slay them wherever you may come upon them” is valid only within the context of hostilities already in progress (Razi), on the understanding that “those who wage war against you” are the aggressors or oppressors (a war of liberation being a war “in God’s cause”). The translation, in this context, of Fitnah as “oppression” is justified by the application of this term to any affliction which may cause man to go astray and to lose his faith in spiritual values (cf. Lisan al-Arab). (Asad, The Message of the Quran, emphasis added)
This extensive commentary on this verse should sufficiently address all confusion and misconceptions that resulted from misquoting this verse.
Misquoted Verse #7
“But if they turn away, catch them and slaughter them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks.” [Noble Quran 4:89]
This verse has been misquoted like the previous verse, out of context. Here is the full passage:
Why should ye be divided into two parties about the Hypocrites? Allah hath upset them for their (evil) deeds. Would ye guide those whom Allah hath thrown out of the Way? For those whom Allah hath thrown out of the Way, never shalt thou find the Way. They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): so take not friends from their ranks until they forsake the domain of evil in the way of God (from what is forbidden). But if they revert to [open] enmity, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks. Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (Of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If God had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then God hath opened no way for you (to war against them). Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto; if they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever ye get them; in their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them [Noble Quran 4:88-91]
So in the same manner as the first verse, this verse also only commands Muslims to fight those who practice oppression or persecution, or attack the Muslims. And in the event of a battle, the same laws of war are in place and a Muslim who transgresses limits should prepare for the punishment of God. In response to a question on verses 4:88-89, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi quotes the verses in their full context and then asks the following:
Now tell me honestly, do these verses give a free permission to kill any one anywhere? These verses were revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), at the time when Muslims were attacked by the non-Muslims of Makkah on a regular basis. They were frightening the Muslim community of Madinah. One may say using the contemporary jargon that there were constant terrorist attacks on Madinah and in this situation Muslims were given permission to fight back the “terrorist”. These verses are not a permission for “terrorism” but they are a warning against the “terrorists. ” But even in these warnings you can see how much restraint and care is emphasized.
It is also important to note that the Quran clearly condemns murder. The Quran says about the prohibition of murder:
Take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that ye may learn wisdom.” [Noble Quran 6:151]
Nor take life, which God has made sacred, except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, We have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas(retribution) or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the law) [Noble Quran 17:33]
“…if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.” [Noble Quran 5:32]
So the Quran makes it very clear that Muslims cannot initiate an attack against others, unless there is an immediate threat of being attacked. The context of the quoted verses applies only to situations where the oppressors are killing Muslims. In this case, they have a right to defend themselves and others, especially the weak and oppressed.
Misquoted Verse #8
“Kill the disbelievers wherever you find them.” [Noble Quran 9:5]
This verse, often called “the verse of the sword”, has been misquoted in a manner similar to the previous verses. First, we shall provide the verse in its context:
“But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war), but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah. And then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge.” [Noble Quran 9:5-6]
Having presented the verse in context, we can analyze it properly. Dr. Maher Hathout gives an explanation on the historical context of the verse:
This verse was revealed towards the end of the revelation period and relates to a limited context. Hostilities were frozen for a three-month period during which the Arabs pledged not to wage war. Prophet Muhammad was inspired to use this period to encourage the combatants to join the Muslim ranks or, if they chose, to leave the area that was under Muslims rule; however, if they were to resume hostilities, then the Muslims would fight back until victorious. One is inspired to note that even in this context of war, the verse concludes by emphasizing the divine attributes of mercy and forgiveness. To minimize hostilities, the Quran ordered Muslims to grant asylum to anyone, even an enemy, who sought refuge. Asylum would be granted according to the customs of chivalry; the person would be told the message of the Quran but not coerced into accepting that message. Thereafter, he or she would be escorted to safety regardless of his or her religion. (9:6). (Hathout, Jihad vs. Terrorism; US Multimedia Vera International, 2002, pp.52-53, emphasis added)
Therefore, this verse once again refers to those pagans who would continue to fight after the period of peace. It clearly commands the Muslims to protect those who seek peace and are non-combatants. It is a specific verse with a specific ruling and can in no way be applied to general situations. The command of the verse was only to be applied in the event of a battle. As Abdullah Yusuf Ali writes:
The emphasis is on the first clause: it is only when the four months of grace are past, and the other party show no sign of desisting from their treacherous design by right conduct, that the state of war supervenes – between Faith and Unfaith. (Yusuf Ali, The Holy Quran, Text, Translation and Commentary, emphasis added)
If the pagans would not cease their hostilities towards the Muslims, then they were to be fought, especially since they were living in the land of an Islamic state. Dr. Zakir Naik writes concerning this verse:
This verse is quoted during a battle. We know that America was once at war with Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General of the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: “Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them”. Today if I say that the American President said, “Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them” without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war. Similarly in Surah Tawbah chapter 9 verse 5 the Quran says, “Kill the Mushriks (pagans) where ever you find them”, during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Quran is telling Muslim soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill them. Surah Tawbah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality and bloodshed. It says:
“If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are men without knowledge.” [Noble Quran 9:6]
The Quran not only says that a Mushrik seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but also that he should be escorted to a secure place. In the present international scenario, even a kind, peace-loving army General, during a battle, may let the enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace. But which army General will ever tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security? This is exactly what Allah says in the Glorious Quran to promote peace in the world.
Dr. Naik makes some very interesting observations about the verse. Indeed, it is truly amazing how Islam-haters will ignore God’s infinite mercy in their attempt to malign Islam. God has always given human beings a way out of any suffering, and has only ordained fighting as a last resort. Muslim scholars have written much commentary on these Quranic verses explaining the historical context in such great detail so that there may be no misconceptions. We have quoted extensively from various commentators on these verses and there is no need to repeat the same material again. We will provide one more commentary before moving on. Professor Shahul Hamid writes on verse 9:5:
This is a verse taken from Surah At-Tawbah. This chapter of the Quran was revealed in the context when the newly organized Muslim society in Madinah was engaged in defending themselves against the pagan aggressors. The major question dealt with here is, as to how the Muslims should treat those who break an existing treaty at will. The first clause in the verse refers to the time-honored Arab custom of a period of warning and waiting given to the offenders, after a clear violation. That is, they will be given four months’ time to repair the damage done or make peace. But if nothing happens after the expiry of these forbidden months, what should be done? This is what the present verse says. According to this verse, fighting must be resumed until one of the two things happens: Either the enemy should be vanquished by relentless fighting. That is what is meant by {then fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem [of war]}; or they should repent, establish prayers and pay Zakah, etc. This is one of those verses of the Quran which are likely to be misunderstood, if quoted out of context. We must understand that this fighting was against a people who forced the Prophet and his companions to leave not only their own homes but all their property and even their hometown of Makkah to Madinah. Once the Muslims were organized into a community in those lawless times, the rules to be followed by the Muslims were clearly laid down, even in the matter of war. Since Islam is a comprehensive system, no human activity could be ignored. And given the nature of mankind, we cannot imagine a situation where fighting is completely ruled out either. As can be seen, the above injunctions on fighting is not on an individual level, but only in the case of a society that strives to flourish and thrive as a nation. But even here the norms are clear: fighting is only in self defence or for the establishment of justice; and always fighting is the last option. And no one is allowed to transgress the limits set by God.
Ibn al-`Arabi, in his commentary on the Quran, writes:
“It is clear from this that the meaning of this verse is to kill the pagans who are waging war against you.” (Ahkam al- Quran: 2/456, emphasis added)
Sheikh Sami al-Majid also makes some very interesting points in his discussion on this verse:
If we look at the verses in Surah al-Tawbah immediately before and after the one under discussion, the context of the verse becomes clear. A few verses before the one we are discussing, Allah says:
“There is a declaration of immunity from Allah and His Messenger to those of the pagans with whom you have contracted mutual alliances. Go then, for four months, to and fro throughout the land. But know that you cannot frustrate Allah that Allah will cover with shame those who reject Him.” [Noble Quran 9:1-2]
In these verses we see that the pagans were granted a four month amnesty with an indication that when the four months were over, fighting would resume. However, a following verse exempts some of them from the resumption of hostilities. It reads:
“Except for those pagans with whom you have entered into a covenant and who then do not break their covenant at all nor aided anyone against you. So fulfill your engagements with them until the end of their term, for Allah loves the righteous.” [Noble Quran 9:4]
So when Allah says: “But when the forbidden months are past, then fight the pagans wherever you find them, and seize them and beleaguer them and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war)” we must know that it is not general, since the verse above has qualified it to refer to the pagan Arabs who were actually at war with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and those who broke their covenants of peace. This is further emphasized a few verses later where Allah says:
“Will you not fight people who broke their covenants and plotted to expel the Messenger and attacked you first?” [Noble Quran 9:13]
Therefore, the context of the verse within the Surah makes it clear that this refers to those who are persistent in their hostilities and attacks against Muslims, and it is applied in battle only. We recommend that one reads Sheikh Sami Al-Majid’s full article entitled ‘There is no Compulsion in Religion’.
Abrogated?
The next issue with this verse concerns abrogation. It has been claimed by some that this verse 9:5 has abrogated all the peaceful verses in the Quran. However, this claim results from a misunderstanding of some Quranic concepts. In the Quran there is Naskh and there is also Takhsis. Naskh is the abrogation of a ruling by a ruling that was revealed after it. Naskh occurs in matters of Islamic law. Takhsis on the other hand refers to specification, where one verse restricts the application of another verse, or specifies the limits not mentioned in the other verse. As Sheikh Abu Ammar Yasir Qadhi writes:
Specification involves one verse limiting or restricting a general ruling found in another verse, whereas Naskh involves abrogating the first verse in toto (i.e., it is not applied in any circumstances or conditions). (Qadhi, An Introduction to the Sciences of the Quran; UK Al-Hidayah Publishing and Distribution, 1999, p. 233)
Sheikh Qadhi also explains that one of the conditions for Naskh is that the two conflicting rulings apply to the same situation under the same circumstances, and hence there is no alternative understanding of the application of the verses. As he states:
Therefore, if one of the rulings can apply to a specific case, and the other ruling to a different case, this cannot be considered an example of Naskh. (Qadhi, An Introduction to the Sciences of the Quran; UK Al-Hidayah Publishing and Distribution, 1999, p. 237)
Therefore, verse 9:5 can in no way be considered an example of Naskh since it is only a ruling applied to a very specific situation and circumstances. There is a lot of confusion surrounding some verses labeled as cases of Naskh because the early Muslims used to use the word Naskh to refer to Takhsis as well. Therefore, some Muslims failed to realize that some of these cases labeled by early Muslims as ‘Naskh’ were cases of Takhsis. This is why some early Muslim scholars are quoted who have classified this verse as a case of ‘Naskh’. One should realize that they used the term Naskh to refer to a broader range of meanings, including Takhsis. As Dr. Jamal Badawi writes:
Any claim of Naskh must be definitive, not based on mere opinion or speculation. It should be noted that earlier Muslims used the term Naskh to refer also to Takhsis or specifying and limiting the ruling than abrogating it.
Sheikh Abu Ammar Yasir Qadhi specifically addresses the confusion about verse 9:5, and after citing the different claims he concludes:
It can be seen from the examples and categories quoted that, in reality, most of these verses cannot be considered to have been abrogated in the least. Some of them merely apply to situations other than those that they were revealed for. Almost all of these ‘Mansukh’ (abrogated) verses can still be said to apply when the Muslims are in a situation similar to the situation in which the verses were revealed. Thus, the ‘Verse of the Sword’ in reality does not abrogate a large number of verses; in fact, az-Zarqani concludes that it does not abrogate any! (fn. Az-Zarqani, v.2, pps.275-282) (Qadhi, An Introduction to the Sciences of the Quran; UK Al-Hidayah Publishing and Distribution, 1999, p. 254)
Sheikh Sami Al-Majid also states the same thing in his article:
Some people – especially some contemporary non-Muslim critics of Islam – have tried to claim that this verse abrogates the verse “Let there be no compulsion in religion.” They argue that the generality of this statement implies that every unbeliever who refuses to accept Islam must be fought. They support their allegation by pointing out that this verse is one of the last verses to be revealed about fighting. However, this verse in no way abrogates the principle in Islamic Law that there is no compulsion in religion. It may be general in wording, but its meaning is quite specific on account of other verses of the Quran that are connected with it as well as on account of a number of pertinent Hadith.
Sheikh Jamal Al-Din Zarabozo also deals with this issue in his writings on the verse “There is no compulsion in religion”. He mentions the view that this verse has been abrogated as then states:
Al-Dausiri rejects this statement because of the following: A verse cannot abrogate another verse unless it completely removes the ruling of the earlier verse and there is no way to reconcile the contradictory meanings of the verses. (Zarabozo, There is No Compulsion in Religion, Al-Bashir)
This was the view of the great scholars and Mufasirin (Quranic commentators) both classical and recent, like Ash-Shanqiti or Ibn Jarir At-Tabari. Sheikh Muhammad S. Al-Awa also comments on this issue in his discussion on the punishment for apostasy:
At the same time, one can say that the death penalty for apostasy – especially when it is considered as a Hadd (prescribed) punishment – contradicts the Quranic principle [law] in Surah II, verse 256, which proclaims “No compulsion in religion.” Ibn Hazm, to avoid this criticism, claimed that this verse had been abrogated and that compulsion is allowed in religion; consequently, according to him, the punishment for apostasy does not contradict the Quran (fn. Muhalla, vol. XI, p. 195). However, this claim is invalid, since Quranic scholars have established the abrogated verses and this verse is not among them (fn. Suyuti, Itqan, vol. II, p. 22-24). Accordingly, one can say with the Encyclopedia of Islam that “In the Quran the apostate is threatened with punishment in the next world only.” (fn. Heffening, Encyclopedia of Islam, vol. III, p. 736 under “Murtadd”). (El-Awa, Punishment in Islamic Law; US American Trust Publications, 1993, p. 51, emphasis added)
Therefore, when we discuss the merciful and loving verses of the Quran and we receive a claim that they have been abrogated by the specific verses concerning battle, we can dismiss such a claim as mere speculation and invalid. Peace and justice are fundamentals of the religion of Islam and can never be removed from it.
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Anon / June 14, 2015
Edip Yuksel’s translation of the quran is a lie, a white wash and not accepted by serious scholars. Its a literary manipulation.
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Ahmed Reza / June 14, 2015
Anon, or whoever your are,
So, you are an expert linguist? Who are these serious scholars you are relying on to claim “Edip Yuksel’s translation of the quran is a lie, a white wash and not accepted by serious scholars. Its a literary manipulation.”
When did you first see the name Edip Yuksel? This morning gazing at your mobile phone while taking a dump in the toilet?
CT is a serious website encouraging enlightened discourse. CT is certainly not for the likes of you.
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Rama / June 16, 2015
Naomali de Silva,
You can add this also. (i) ‘Fight against them until idolatry is no more and Allah’s religion reigns supreme (chapter 2 verse 193)’
How can they fight when they are giving utmost importance to Lord Ganesha in Indonesia’s currency. After all, Lord Ganesha is their Pappa. No one can challenge them. Pakistan tried & failed.
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Jeya / June 13, 2015
I think I like the picture where a woman holds a placard “Teach men not to rape”. Is not that a plea to regard them as mothers. It reminds Lord Buddha’s expression that when wickedness and evil thoughts filled the world with violence & drenched with human blood, the existence of social discipline becomes a questionable issue”. How true it is. It should be agreed that the eradication of evil thoughts is by cultivating the practice of non-violence. I am of the view that women liked this point.
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Marwan / June 13, 2015
All religions basically exhort mankind to be righteous and eschew evil. But Islam goes beyond that. It guides us towards practical ways of achieving righteousness and eliminating evil from our individual and collective lives. Islam takes into account human nature and the complexities of human society. Islam is guidance from the Creator Himself. Therefore, Islam is also called the Deen-ul-Fitrah (the natural religion of Man).
1. Example – Islam commands us to shun robbery and also prescribes method of eliminating robbery
a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating robbery
All major religions teach that theft is an evil act. Islam teaches the same. So what is the difference between Islam and the other religions? The difference lies in the fact that Islam, besides teaching that robbing is evil, shows a practical way of creating a social structure in which people will not rob.
b. Islam prescribes Zakaat
Islam prescribes a system of Zakaat (obligatory annual charity). Islamic law prescribes that every person who has a saving that exceeds the needs for existence (nisaab) level i.e. more than 85 grams of gold, should give 2.5% of that saving every lunar year in charity. If every rich person in the world gave Zakaat sincerely, poverty will be eradicated from this world. Not a single human being would die of hunger.
c. Chopping off the hands as punishment for robbery
Islam prescribes chopping off the hands of the convicted robber. The Glorious Qur’an says in Surah Maidah:
“As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands:a punishment by way
of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power, full of wisdom.”
[ Al-Qur’an 5:38]
The non-Muslim may say, “Chopping off the hands in this 20th century. Islam is a barbaric and ruthless religion!”
d. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented
America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries in the world. Unfortunately it also has one of the highest rates of crime, theft, and robbery. Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in America i.e. every rich person gives Zakaat ( 2.5% of his savings in charity above 85 grams of gold every lunar year), and every convicted robber has his or her hands chopped off as a deterrent punishment. Will the rate of theft and robbery in America increase, remain same or decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Moreover the existence of such a stringent law would discourage many a potential robber.
I agree that the amount of theft that takes place in the world today is so tremendous that if you chop off the hands of all the thieves, there will be tens of thousands of people whose hands will be chopped off. The point here is that the moment you implement this law the rate of theft will decline immediately. The potential robber would give it a serious thought before jeopardizing his limbs. The mere thought of the punishment itself will discourage majority of the robbers. There will barely be a few who would rob. Hence only a few person’s hands would be chopped off but millions would live peacefully without fear of being robbed.
Islamic Shariah is therefore practical, and achieves results.
3. Example: Islam prohibits the molestation and rape of women. It enjoins hijaab and prescribes capital punishment for a convicted rapist.
Islam prescribes method of eliminating molestation and rape
All the major religions declare the molestation and rape of women as grave sins. Islam teaches the same. What then is the difference between Islam and the other religions? The difference lies in the fact that Islam does not merely preach respect for women, or abhor molestation and rape as serious crimes, but also gives clear guidance as to how society can eliminate such crimes.
Hijaab for men
Islam has a system of hijaab. The Glorious Qur’an first mentions hijaab for the men and then for the women. Hijaab for the men is mentioned in the following verse:
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.”
[Al-Qur’an 24:30]
The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.
Hijaab for women
Hijaab for women is mentioned in the following verse:
“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons….”
[Al-Qur’an 24:31]
The extent of hijaab for a woman is that her complete body should be covered. The only part that can be seen, are the face and the hands up to the wrists. If they wish to cover, they can even cover these parts of the body. However some Islamic scholars insist that even the face should be covered.
Hijaab prevents molestation
The reason why Allah has prescribed Hijaab for the women is given in the Qur’an in the folowing verse of Surah Al-Ahzab:
“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women,that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most Merciful.” [Al-Qur’an 33:59]
The Qur’an says that Hijaab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women this would prevent them from being molested.
Example of twin sisters
Suppose two sisters who are twins and who are equally beautiful, walk down a street. One of them is wearing the Islamic Hijaab i.e. the complete body is covered except for the face and the hands up to the wrists, and the other twin is wearing a mini skirt or shorts. Around the corner there is a hooligan who is waiting for an opportunity to tease a girl. Who will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijaab or the girl wearing the mini skirt or shorts? Dresses that expose more than they conceal, are an indirect temptation to the opposite sex for teasing, molestation and rape. The Qur’an rightly says that the hijaab prevents women from being molested.
Capital punishment for rapist
The Islamic shariah prescribes capital punishment for a convicted rapist. The non-Muslim may be horrified at such a stringent punishment in this day and age. Many accuse Islam of being ruthless and barbaric. I have asked a common question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose God-forbid, some one rapes your wife, your mother or your sister and you are made the judge. The rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All of them said, “we would put him to death.” Some went to the extent of saying, “we would torture him to death”, If your wife or your mother is raped you want the rapist to be put to death. But if someone else’s wife or mother is raped, capital punishment is a barbaric law. Why the double standards?
U.S.A. has one of the highest rate of Rape
The United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries of the world. An F.B.I report in the year 1990 says that 1,02,555 cases of rape were reported. It further says that only 16% of the cases of rapes are reported. Thus, in order to know the actual number of rapes that took place in 1990, the reported figure should be multiplied by 6.25. We get a total of 6,40,968 rape cases that took place in the year 1990. If the total is divided by 365 the number of days in a year, we get an average of 1,756 rape incidents everyday.
Later another report said that an average of 1900 cases of rape are committed in U.S.A every day. According to National Crime Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice Statistics (U. S. Dept. of Justice) in 1996 alone 3,07,000 cases of rape were reported. Only 31% of the actual cases of rape were reported. Thus, 3,07,000 X 3.226 = 9,90,322 rapes took place in 1996. That is, an average of 2,713 cases of rape took place everyday in America in 1996. Every 32 seconds one rape is taking place in America. Maybe American rapists got bolder. The FBI report of 1990 continues and says that out of the rape cases that were reported only 10% of the rapist were arrested, that is only 1.6% of the actual rapes committed. Out of those arrested, 50% were let free before the trial. This would mean that only 0.8% of the rapists faced a trial. In other words if a person commits 125 rapes the chances that he will get a punishment for rape is only once. Many would consider this a good gamble. And the report says that of those people who faced trial 50% received sentences of less than a year’s imprisonment though the American law says rape carries a seven year sentence of imprisonment. For a rapist, the judge is lenient to first time offenders. Imagine a person commits 125 rapes and the chances of being convicted is only once, and 50% of the time the judge will grant leniency and give a sentence of less than a year!
Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented
Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in America. Whenever a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic Hijaab, that is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrists. After this if any man commits rape, he gets capital punishment. The question is, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same or will it decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Islamic Shariah gets results.
4. Islam has Practical Solutions for the Problems of Mankind
Islam is the best way of life because its teachings are not doctrinaire rhetoric but practical solutions for the problems of mankind. Islam achieves results both at the individual and collective levels. Islam is the best way of life because it is a practical, universal religion not confined to any ethnic group or nationality.
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Paul / June 14, 2015
Marawan you are an amusing guy living in a democracy (of sorts) and praising Sharia. Why don’t you emigrate to IS? But before you do, please answer the points Naomali de Silva has raised.
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dhammika herath / June 13, 2015
there is no single solution for rape , child abuse and domestic violence, its been there for thousands of years and present in many cultures. Now, morality , if you based it on religion, has serious flaws, as it is clearly religiously biased. modern morality does not base on any religion but on the principle of ” right thing to do” based on discussion, consensus and agreement with room to improvement. religions are archaic and primitive way of understanding the world and values, some times very barbaric. in this space age,religion has no role to play in civilian life, except intellectually starved or disabled.
cheers
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Rama / June 13, 2015
Dhammic Herath,
I agree with you. We are only considering how such cruel punishment could be neutralized. The issue is why should women & girls be used as commodities when inflicting cruel punishment. Treat them equally and give them a prominent place. Even an evil-minded woman can turn out to be a woman with good thoughts. I was reading the statement of Swami Vivekananda ‘The highest of all feminine types is Mother, because Mother never deserts her child, whereas others at some point or other will tend to desert’ as quoted by the writer. If we can make everyone to realize this truth, I am sure no person will ever like cruel punishment & torture on women and girls. I have seen recent pictures and in youtubes of what the ISIS was doing to women & girls, women and girls. They have been used as commodities. After all we are all civilized people. Are such heinous crimes in the name of God (be it in any faith) acceptable. There should be justification.
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xlntgson / June 13, 2015
Men in uniform if committed the crime they are not punished rather pardoned, indemnified, so with the politicians, their henchmen throng the courts, least to say the influence on the servile judiciary! US executes criminals by elecric chair or lethal jab but they preach mercy elsewhere through their proxy evangelists, proponents of weed tolerance, moderate drinking, free sex, (virginity sale?) gender neutral, (neuter?) gay marriage adoption if not abortion, atheist mercy killing or aided suicide etc. If death sentence is not a deterrent, the US should repeal that first instead of haranguing the East. @aiyathurai will you forgive if your daughter was gang raped?
There is no easy solution to crime if feared backlash like the spineless judicial officers do, not only in major crimes but in petty crimes off shoot of failure of civil case social justice; failed to nip in the bud!
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Navin / June 13, 2015
Ayathuray
When are you going to send in your next anti Muslim tirade to CT?
You are the most dishonest journalist that lives on this planet.
You know that Hinduism orders its male adherents to treat Hindu women as less than sheet. But not a word from you. That’s how crooked you are.
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Naomali de Silva / June 14, 2015
Navin
You are a Muslim pretending to be a Buddhist. Shame on you. Islam is anti-woman. It treats women as second class and as chattel.
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Marwan / June 14, 2015
Why should they (Muslims and their religion Islam) be anti-woman? Muslims love women and they are allowed to marry upto 4 and maintain all at the same time as legally wedded wives. That fool of a monk Gnanasara is trying to deprive them that right and is planning to block it, claiming one rule of law for all citizens. If they want 4 we too want our men to marry 4 (not asking anything for himself but to best serve the interest of other man – that’s the way monks usually behave, he requests to serve the man next to him, which means that he needs to get served). All or nothing seems to be the call. It is also noteworthy to mention Muslims are also promised as many as 70 virgins in the hereafter if they die in battle fighting (martyred) for Islam. Mind you, virgin women are used as bait and as inducement to encourage men to fight and die for their religion. That is how much women are valued by Muslims, who are even willing to die for them, and here you claim Muslims are anti-women. Please say something new to express your frustration against Muslims, and please don’t repeat what others are saying, even though it may sound sexy. We are all ears and we hear you loud and clear.
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Navin / June 14, 2015
Naomali de Silva
Go see an Angoda Doctor. What makes you think I am pretending to be a Buddhist? I am not pretending anything, and I am not a Buddhist, least of all the Sri Lankan variety. I think Sri Lanka’s Theravada Buddhists are gullible fools venerating homosexual/womanizing saffrons, vegetation and the teeth of dead men. They are those who have no idea about what Gautama Buddha was all about.
Have a nice day.
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Rama / June 15, 2015
Navin,
I believe that the next will be “why a Muslim Nation Indonesia gives more prominence to Lord Ganesha in their currency”.
Are you ready to read?
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Navin / June 16, 2015
Yea I heard: they are going to print Ganesha’s Prick on their next currency note. Will be fun to visit as a tourist as the women will be in heat.
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Rama / June 16, 2015
Navin,
Don’t you know that Lord Ganesha loves fun.
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Native Vedda / June 14, 2015
Navin
I have been successfully hiding myself in CT for quite sometime from all those religious bigots. Now they are here.
Now I have nowhere to go, hide nor have fun. Almost all liberal spaces are gone, sold out.
Is there anyway you could ward off these religious zealots from CT which seems to be the only media which provides us with liberal space, has now been taken over and occupied by hypocrites.
Another good place to hide crooks, rapists, war criminal, bigamists, cultural imperialists, hypocrites, bigots, ………… is religion.
I am being crushed from all sides.
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Heretic / June 14, 2015
Native Vedda,
I know the feeling.
I am new here but already tired of some commentators and comments.
The easiest solution might be to stop following some of them. There is naturally a very slight risk that they might take up something important.
My observation is that some of the persons I dislike change their names, sex and even ethnicity and this makes identifying them temporarily difficult.
Good luck and please continue with your comments.
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Navin / June 14, 2015
Dear Native
Your comment referring to religion as “Another good place to hide crooks, rapists, war criminal, bigamists, cultural imperialists, hypocrites, bigots, ………… is religion” is very interesting.
Religion is part of human activity/culture; just like for example agriculture, fishery, manufacturing industry, education, entertainment, politics, banking and commerce. Every one of these has provided a safe haven for a relatively small number of “crooks, rapists, war criminal, bigamists, cultural imperialists, hypocrites, bigots” to pervert their acquired abode for personal profit. I take it that you are including “religious zealots” in these small groups of sub-humans.
While Religion, any uncorrupted religion that is, can enrich the quality of human existence, infiltration by the “crooks, rapists, war criminal, bigamists, cultural imperialists, hypocrites, bigots”, for the purpose of taking advantage of society, can cause grave harm. For example, all what Ayathuray the Muslim hater is doing, with collaboration from like minded commenters and his thumbs-up-ians is to create enmity between Muslims of Sri Lanka and the other communities. I have seen some admirable efforts by commenters to shut him up. Perhaps you should write in from time to time encouraging them.
As to your question as to how you can banish from CT the religious zealots, there is no easy answer. Besides, any efforts towards such an aim will violate CT’s dedication to free speech.
May I suggest that perhaps you try a few remedies from Veddah culture, for example to organize something like a Thovil Ceremony, or Devil Dancing from time to time?
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / June 14, 2015
There is a much deeper issue underlying the war-affected areas, particularly Jaffna.
Please read the following link:
http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-95572-news-detail-jaffna-booze-paradise.html
Drug/narcotics and alleged narcotic soaked Areca Nut (Puvak/Paakku) use are widespread in the north and school children have also not been spared. Areca nut or its extracts depress appetite and stimulate the nervous system at the same time. It has been shown to be carcinogenic. When combined with narcotics the stimulative function will be enhanced.
The reasons why this is happening has to be studied in depth. Are the poor trying to forget their woes? Are those with money making a fashion statement and setting a bad example? Are some getting rich on the backs of the victims? Is the combination of alcohol , drugs/narcotics and the dregs in society feeding the frenzy of violence and rape? What is the extent of poverty in the north and east? What are the causes of this poverty? How can it be alleviated? To what extent have cultural constraints broken down and why? How can we rebuild a society with in-built defenses? What are the roles of home,school,religion, society and law & order in building these defenses? What is the role of the State in alleviating poverty? How can we create productive and remunerative employment? How many among the war-affected need long term psycho-somatic treatment? How can we become caring and feeling society?
It is a very complex issue that needs careful in-depth study and urgent multi-pronged action.
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
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Heretic / June 14, 2015
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran,
Thank you for your comment. Please continue commenting.
I agree totally. Unfortunately I do not know if anybody is interested and capable of an in depth study and multi/pronged action.
I pretty much find only short term thinking or no interest in anything around me. These, of course, might be additional symptoms of the collapse of Jaffna society.
I cannot access the link you posted. Today Sunday Times also takes up the narcotic nuts in Jaffna. Some weeks ago they took up the letter where the new GA warns about drugs in Jaffna and requests action.
Unfortunately I continue with problems and posting links appears to be impossible or frustrating.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / June 15, 2015
Dear Heretic,
Thanks. I am able to activate the link in my above comment.
I am saddened that CM Wigneswaran has failed to set the right tone of leadership in the north. He is by the day visibly becoming a cheap politician and is competing with the likes of Ananthi, Sivajilingham, Suresh Premachandran and Sri Tharan. I heard his words at the meeting presided over by John Seneviratne on narcotics and saw his discomfiture while blaming the armed forces. His presentation was superficial and exposed his lack of understanding. He is not a visionary, organizer or leader.
I had reposed much hope in him and feel badly let down. What the north is sadly lacking is quality leadership. The TNA, as were the FP and TULF before, is dessigned to produce clones of their own kind. They do not want any one to rock their boat. However, they will bring in characters like Ananthi, Sivajilingam and Sri Tharan to harvest votes. They will never bring new blood of quality to meet the needs of the times and question the existing ethos. They want talkers and rabble-rousers, than people who will tell the people the truth and do something worthwhile. Sumanthiran, seems so far the only exception. However, he has yet to prove himself as a doer in matters that concern the daily lives of the people.
Dr.RN
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Heretic / June 17, 2015
Dr Rajasingham Narendran,
“I am saddened that CM Wigneswaran has failed to set the right tone of leadership in the north. He is by the day visibly becoming a cheap politician and is competing with the likes of Ananthi, Sivajilingham, Suresh Premachandran and Sri Tharan. I heard his words at the meeting presided over by John Seneviratne on narcotics and saw his discomfiture while blaming the armed forces. His presentation was superficial and exposed his lack of understanding. He is not a visionary, organizer or leader. “
Today the Island has a feature article about the history of drugs in the North. It is intended to be a reply to our CM Wigneswaran and will continue. Some sources are not provided but maybe we can dig them up.
http://island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=126636
Hanging on to Tiger’s Tail
LTTE and Narcotics:
“That heroin might have been a serious health hazard even during the early stages of the war, however, is suggested by the fact that a team of doctors serving in Jaffna (Subramaniam, Arasaratnam, Somasundaram & Mahesparam, 1989) found it significant enough as a subject of clinical research. The present article is intended to indicate to the honourable CM and others of similar persuasion that the entire Eelam campaign was intimately linked to trade in narcotics, and to prevent The Island readership from being misled by the CM’s claims. There is, in fact, grounds to speculate that the Tiger high command might have employed drug addiction as a modality for recruiting and training its elite ‘Black Tigers’ to condition them for their suicide missions; and even more importantly, that the increased penetration into Sri Lanka’s territorial waters by ‘fishing fleet’ from Tamil Nadu witnessed in the recent years could well be the main reason for increased drug addiction in Jaffna, if there is such a trend.“
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / June 18, 2015
Dear Heretic,
Thanks for your input . Retired DIG of Police Edward Gunawardene has also recently given a historical perspective of the drug problem in Jaffna. Our problem is that we are unable to view problems objectively and seek remedies. Trying to caliberate our lives by the Tiger barometer, which in itself is fact, fiction, illusion, delution and myth combined, is foolish. We have to go forward from where we are. Finding scapegoats is easy, but finding solutions and implementing them is more difficult.
Dr.RN
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Heretic / June 18, 2015
Dr Rajasingham Narendran,
“I had reposed much hope in him and feel badly let down.“
I also was hoping that a retired Supreme Court judge would bring progress, reconciliation and rule of law.
“What the north is sadly lacking is quality leadership. The TNA, as were the FP and TULF before, is dessigned to produce clones of their own kind. They do not want any one to rock their boat. However, they will bring in characters like Ananthi, Sivajilingam and Sri Tharan to harvest votes.“
Now that ITAK media writes about the role of women in politics we can assume that Ananthi will be one of the candidates since there are no other well known women.
I managed to open the Jaffna Booze Paradise link. I did not know that the situation is that bad! In my area there is a new wine store that was opened after the war ended so that the supply side is stronger. There are also numerous kassippu distilleries that even make deliveries after receiving an order by phone.
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