Gazi Irfan Khan
Despite being titled as Ashraf al-Makhluqat, or the noblest of all creatures, man seems to have forgotten the essence of this divine title. The recent incident in Budgam district, where a girl was brutally murdered, sends shivers down one’s spine. It was not just the murder of one girl, but the killing of humanity itself. “whoever takes a life—unless as a punishment for murder or mischief in the land—it will be as if they killed all of humanity” (Al-,Qur’ān 5:32). It is heart-wrenching to note that incidents of abuse and injustice against women, who are referred to as the mercy of Allah, are becoming increasingly common. From burning them alive to forcing them into suicide, the level of cruelty knows no bounds. Even more alarming is the fact that such incidents are not limited to a particular region or community. Drug addiction, which is plaguing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, is also a major contributor to the moral decline.
When it is said that Islam means to surrender to God, it means whenever something or someone is put in its or his real position in creation, it or he will be a Muslim. Thus, the position for which God has created human being is to achieve humanity and the human being’s humanity equals his Islam, i.e., his level of submission to God.
A human being is related with God, his own kind, nature, and the whole creation from that natural position. So, a human being’s Islam is his humanity. The holy Qur’an emphasizes on the full alignment of religion and humanity. The following verses demonstrate this truth:
So if they believe in the like of what you believe in, then they are certainly guided; and if they turn away, then they are only [steeped] in defiance. Allah shall suffice you against them, and He is the All-hearing, the All-knowing. The baptism of Allah, and who baptizes better than Allah? And Him do we worship. (2:137-138)
A million people are reportedly involved in drug addiction in the region, leading to an increase in incidents of violence, including murder. The story of a son killing his mother for money and drugs is just one of many such incidents that serve as a stark reminder of our crumbling moral fabric.It reflects on our actions and the value we place on human life. If we fail to do so, the consequences could be dire. The moraldecay that has seeped into our society threatens to push humanity to the brink of extinction. It’s high time we start taking action to reverse this trend before it’s too late.
Islam, a religion of peace and equality, has bestowed a distinguished position to women. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) elevated the status of women by referring to them as the most prized possession of a man’s life if she is his wife. As per the Prophet’s words in SunanNasa’i, Sahih al-Jami’, and Sahih Ibn Hibban, “This world is full of wealth and material possessions, but the best thing in this world is a good woman; a wife.”Furthermore, the Prophet (PBUH) regarded mothers as a gateway to Paradise, as stated in Sahih al-Jami’. And if a woman is a sister or a daughter, she serves as a barrier against Hell, as reported in Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, and SunanTirmidhi. The Prophet emphasized that whoever educates and provides Islamic training to his two daughters or sisters and marries them off will be protected by Allah, and his daughters/sisters will act as a shield against the fires of Hell.
Islam introduces general concepts based on human values and preserving them for the establishment of the original culture for Muslims and provides a comprehensive view towards the universe and life. One would understand the extent of humanism of Islam’s view if he explores it with regards to the human being, life, the universe, society, and other general theoretical concepts unavailable in the domain of science and experience.
A human being is very honourable in the Qur’an and higher than many other creatures. He is created by the best Creator in the best form. He is created by God and chosen by Him to be His representative on earth. God has taught him the names and breathed into him of His spirit, ordered the angels to prostrate before the human being and disposed the sun, the moon, the stars, and the day and night for him.
However, it is unfortunate that in today’s age of ignorance and moral decay, women are treated as a liability and abused for dowry, leading to some tragic cases of suicide. The darkness of social and moral maladies that prevailed in the past is resurfacing, primarily due to a lack of education and proper training. It is crucial to realize that we must value and respect women, as they are a blessing and a source of prosperity.
Author is pursuing Masters in Islamic Studies. He can be mailed at theshaheen06@gmail.com
