Rafi Raza

Aug. 19, 2008

 

Book Review 

Chasing A Mirage – The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State. 

Author: Tarek Fatah
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Canada
Reviewed By: Javed I. Chaudry

To Farzana and Syed H. Haider sahib!
نا سمجھ ھے تو نہ اس یار سے باتیں کیجے
اس سے اچھا ھے کہ دیوار سے باتیں کیجے

As I was reading through the post #90 from Syed H. Haider....I wrote this verse (sher) instantly, so thanks for this motivation!
Let me try again before I head to the (دیوار)WALL.
Your quote.."Bringing atrocities committed by other communities to justify or water down similar acts by followers of our religion is neither in line with this discussion (Muslim jurisprudence) not a good argument that if we are bad then they are even worse."
Let me ask you if you really have read Farzana's posts and Tariq's Book?..
Don't you know that either of them are trying hard to compare any good times of past and present of Islam with today's most modern societies and their culture and or their jurisprudence?
Let us not shy away from the fact that most of us have only migrated to these countries because of their wealth, free style ,liberalism  etc. Exceptions are , those who were and are persecuted in their countries (minorities like Ahmadis).
Here's a quote from "Chasing a Mirage..."

"I have not found a single period that I could in all honesty I would trade for my 21st century existence as a Muslim living in a secular democratic society”. 
Now Mr.Shahab tell me if I am talking to wall? All what Tariq and Farzana are trying to do  is to urge to reform Islam according to Western Standards and that is why I have to Quote the Number of inmates within the "greatest liberal country" of all times.
I also have to quote a systemic increase in number of these prisoners as more "reforms" based on liberalism and socialism are introduced , thus chellenging the "poorly picked foundation" by Tariq for his Book.

Are you denouncing Quran or God by writing "It is the God's word in Quran which is causing this controversy."? I understand your dismay towards solving such issues as dismayed Tariq or Farzana might also be, but in the name of Renovation you can't remove the foundation of a pillar or you are eracting a new building ( religion).
خشت  اول چوں نہد معمار کج
تا  ثریا   می   رود   دیوار   کج


As about, Mujtahid ,you tell me if I start deliberations about the permisiblity of an Islamic law, would you follow me? Unless I am appointed by all Muslims. Now is their any possiblilty that all Muslims ever will unite on such a single instance while there are 73 sects of Islam? Can there be a United Shria goverment world wide? Will God ever come to Earth literally to introduce a Dude who He would have granted all the rights to reform Islam according to " Farzana's quote...

“the freedom to enact laws according to the needs of changing societies”?!!!

So be patient and wait for "Imam Mahdi" and or "Re-arrival" of Jesus as at least 72 sects are still waiting !

Or there is another way.....Let us not take the literal meaning of any verse of Quran and let us

***Do a Zionist sponsored visit to Israel.

***Let us shake hand with Pope Benedict to encourage his views towards a "terror religion of Islam".

*** Let us leave the thieves and robbers do their business in peace.etc.........
 

Farzana writes""Again, I am not suggesting that modern laws are perfect.  Sure enough there are many social ills that are accepted by societies and by all means they should be obliterated through tougher legal measures. But as long as we have the option to debate and evaluate  laws in Parliament""

Are you kidding .....this is your country (Pakistan) where your national ID and passport is not given to you unless you call names to Ahmdiayya ! Ofcourse a parliament has passed this Law. " and read this cut and paste NEWS..in 2008....

"
The Police Station Chenab Nagar - a place also known as Rabwah - in district Jhang of the Punjab province, in a outlandish move, lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against thousands of members of Ahmadiyya community residing in the town under Section 285, 298C, and 337H2 of Pakistan Penal Code. The police booked the whole town on religious grounds.  

There are thousands of words I can write about the social stigmas of Western or Eastern societies but nothing is going to solve our "dual nationality" approach towards a "backward" Islam.

And even if some one claims to be appointed by GOD comes to us , there are no signs from History that we could follow to accept Him as Savior.

یوں تو سید بھی ہو مرزا بھی ہو افغان بھی ھو
تم   سبھی کچھ  ھو بتاؤ تو مسلمان  بھی  ھو

 Just like Allama Iqbal who questioned every one but his own Ahmadi Father.

Sincerely,
Rafi Raza
 


 


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