The Tragic Event and a baseless Accusation
Khurshid Imam
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Part 1: The Recent Tragic Event and the Role of Social Media
Introduction:
The recent killing incident has deeply shaken the nation, leading to widespread grief. In such moments, people naturally seek justice from the government, law enforcement, and justice system. However, some radical elements have begun exploiting this tragedy to stoke communal hatred, create divisions, and incite violence.
Hateful rhetoric against anyone, threats to their lives, and attacks are spreading both online and offline, creating fear and distrust. It's crucial that the government, civil society, and responsible citizens work together to ensure justice and prevent any further escalation of violence.
1. The Role of Government and Law Enforcement
a) Swift and Impartial Investigation:
The government must prioritize an unbiased investigation, ensuring that perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice. Law enforcement should ensure transparency and fairness, with no room for bias.
b) Action Against Incitement of Violence:
Radical individuals inciting violence against anyone must be dealt with swiftly, including arrests for hate speech and threats. No one should be allowed to use their platform for spreading hate or inciting violence.
c) Public Condemnation by Leaders:
Religious and political leaders must clearly condemn violence and hate speech. Moderation and unity must be emphasized over division.
d) Media Responsibility:
The media must act as a stabilizing force, avoiding sensationalism and ensuring balanced, fact-checked reporting. They should not amplify rumors or communal tensions.
e) Social Media Regulation:
The government, in collaboration with social media companies, should ensure that inflammatory content and hate speech are swiftly flagged and removed. Social media should not be used to incite violence.
Part 2: Response to the Accusation Regarding Violence in Religious Texts
Recent events have left people searching for answers, with emotions running high. Some claim that the Quran promotes violence against non-Muslims, particularly citing Surah Taubah 9:5. This verse is often used to argue that Islam justifies violence. However, we must examine the historical context of this verse and similar texts in other religions to understand its true meaning.
Context of Surah Taubah (9:5):
Surah Taubah 9:5 is often misquoted to suggest Islam encourages the killing of non-Muslims. However, in its historical context, it becomes clear that the verse is not a blanket command but a specific response to persecution.
Historical Context:
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Early Muslims were persecuted, expelled from their homes, and subjected to violence by hostile tribes, including the Quraysh.
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After migrating to Medina, the Muslims faced continued attacks despite a peace agreement (the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah) that was later violated by the Quraysh.
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Surah Taubah 9:5 was revealed after these violations, and it specifically addresses the defense of the Muslim community, not a general command to kill non-Muslims.
The verse reads: "And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them..." (Surah Taubah, 9:5).
Key Takeaway:
This verse was context-specific, aimed at those who repeatedly broke peace treaties and persecuted the Muslims. It was a directive for self-defense and protection, not a call for indiscriminate violence.
Understanding the Context of Quran 9:5 with a Real-World Analogy
Let’s take a modern example: Imagine police are hunting down terrorists responsible for violent attacks. The police commander orders, "Eliminate these terrorists whenever you find them."
Now, if someone takes this order out of context and claims, "The police are ordered to kill everyone in that area," that would be a misinterpretation. The context makes it clear that the order targets the terrorists, not innocent civilians.
Similarly, Surah Taubah 9:5 was a defensive measure aimed at those persecuting Muslims, not a directive for violence against all non-Muslims. The key is understanding the context in which the command was given.
Violence in the Bhagavad Gita & Mahabharata:
Accusations of violence are not unique to the Quran. Similar themes appear in the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata, where violence is discussed within the framework of duty, justice, and self-defense.
Bhagavad Gita – War and Duty:
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna on the righteousness of fighting to protect justice, even if it means engaging in war.
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"For a warrior, there is nothing more honorable than a war against evil." (Bhagavad Gita 2.31)
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"Whenever there is a decline in righteousness, I appear on earth to protect the good and destroy the wicked." (Bhagavad Gita 4.7-8)
Key Takeaway:
The Gita emphasizes fighting for justice, not violence for personal gain or hatred.
Mahabharata – Violence as a Last Resort:
In the Mahabharata, war is portrayed as a last resort, used only to protect the righteous and restore justice.
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"War is the last resort, and those who engage in it should do so to protect their people, not out of hatred." (Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, Chapter 35)
Key Takeaway:
Both the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata advocate for violence only when necessary to defend justice, not for vengeance or personal gain.
Conclusion:
The Quran, Bhagavad Gita, and Mahabharata all discuss violence, but they emphasize that it must be used responsibly and in defense of righteousness. Violence should never be glorified, and war should only be fought when all peaceful options are exhausted. Misusing verses from any religious text to justify violence or hatred is misleading and dangerous.
Swami Lakshmi shankaracharya Ji’s Journey of Understanding:
Swami Lakshmi shankaracharya Ji was once opposed to the Quran, believing it promoted violence. However, after studying the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the verses of the Quran, he realized that the Quran advocates peace, justice, and humanity. The verses misquoted to justify violence were actually about self-defense during times of persecution.
To clarify his findings, he wrote the book "Islam - Atank Ya Adarsh" (Islam – Terror or Ideal), where he explained how these verses were misinterpreted. I encourage truth-seekers to read this book for a deeper understanding of Islam and its message of peace.
Don't forget to read this.