Response to Publius regarding Qadianis

#107 Posted by Publius on June 17, 2008 2:20:09 pm
Salim_chauhan,

{"I hope you will allow that there are differences of opnion on what and what does not constitute disinformation about Islam(even when some opinions may be more objective). The question is how to handle those differences ? In other words if a Qadiani thinks that his view of Islam is correct and if somebody disagrees then how is this difference to be resolved or handled ?"}

Dear Publius,
It's very easy to handle these differences. The Qadianis' belief in their "prophet" is a direct rejection of Islam's second most important statement of faith. Therefore, the Qadianis constitute a separate religion and are certainly entitled to all the rights and privileges of a religious minority. They must stop insisting that they are a "sect" of Islam. Almost ALL believing Muslims would reject them as members of the Muslim community. There has never been and there is no difference of opinion among Muslims when it comes to the position of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as the FINAL Messenger of God.

{"Should it be resolved by the state, by the Government imposing what is considers to be the right view or should this be left to be resolved at the level of individuals i.e any individual is free to believe that Qadianis are not true muslims, just as another individual is free to believe that they are.

If you think the state should impose it's view then does it not follow that the state has the right to impose religious views on the population at large and is that not a recipe for endless religious conflict ?( which is why the separation of church and state was first invented). "}

Publius (somehow I feel that I am having this dialogue with Kaal Bhayya LOL),

Separation of church and state is a very handy excuse that western authorities have used to their advantage - depending on the situation. Of course, it is a very useful tool with which to attack the "extremist theocracies" rampant in the Muslim world.

Israel is considered a secular democracy in most western circles - let's not worry about their laws and practices that suppress Palestinians (both Christians and Muslims), confiscate land for Jewish causes, allow only Jews from anywhere to immigrate to Israel, and the list goes on ...

The U.S. is a secular democracy - let's not worry about the Xmas holiday, Sunday holiday, national Christmas tree, "In God we Trust," and other trivial matters. The ban on polygamy, a hundred years after the founding of the nation, was instituted merely to counter Mormon religious sentiments and practices.

We all know about the Queen being the head of the Anglican Church, the continuing validity of the Catholic Inquisition, and various laws in India concerning cow slaughter and other religious edicts.

The question of whether Qadianis are Muslims or not Muslims is not a trivial one. Never in the history of Islam have Muslims experienced an internal attack on the person and stature of Our Holy Prophet (PBUH). Muslim reformers have come and gone, but none felt the selfish need to be exalted to the position of "Prophet." This importance attached to the lowly title of "messenger" was only made possible because of Our Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). This humble man (PBUH) was so loved by his followers that they elevated his lowly title of "messenger" into what we hold as the highest attainment possible by a human being. Certainly, Mirza Ghulam Ahmed is neither deserving nor worthy of such supreme affection and respect.

As for Pakistan passing laws declaring Qadianis to be non-Muslims, this action was taken by a democratically elected legislature and enforced by a democratically elected government. Passing such laws was a much better alternative to fighting the issue in the streets of Punjab with the obvious result of Qadianis placing second in such violent contests. A nation can certainly pass legislation for the greater good of the country - peace and harmony. I think that the US, UK, India, and other countries have enacted laws against terrorism that have been loosely interpreted to trample religious rights.