RAMPANT DIVISIVE FORCES: A SELF IMPOSED DESTRUCTIVE FACTOR FOR INDIAN MUSLIMS
Before taking the above subject matter let us consider pertinent aspects in this regard as follows:
- What constituent the Muslims of Indian subcontinent
- How these constituents play havoc against each other
- How unscrupulous and selfish persons occupy advantageous position
- How Ummah suffers on this account
Benefit of unity both to themselves and the country
First, let's consider the major divisions and their causes:
1.00 DISTORTON OF THE CORE OF FAITH ITSELF:
There are numerous aspects by which this division is affected: allegiance to different khalifas/individuals created sects/pirs or hazaratjis of Shia, Sunny, Ahmadiyya-Agas-Qadians , Baraelivis,Wahabis and so on. More than 72 divisions in the Muslim Ummah were predicted by our Prophet(PBUH) in an authentic Hadith. These divisions have resulted from different, often whimsical and expedient, interpretation of Islam with varied motives including securing advantageous social or political position for respective group. These instigators are least bothered about irreparable damage caused to Ummah and creation of confusion. It is wonderful to see how well cohesive and united noble force got divided to the utmost disadvantage to the great Ummah.
2.01 ORIGIN-EXTERNAL & INTERNAL :
There is another division on account of origin of people i.e. imported (foreigners) and indigenous. The imported ones claim their descent from foreign lands. Though most of them came to India to seek employment under different sovereignties ruling over India at that time and also to save themselves from tortures by the rulers/chieftains in those regions or natural calamities. A fraction of them about 10% claim to be mughals, pathans, syeds sheikhs and connect themselves to be coming from foreign countries. They do not stop over here. They think themselves superior i.e Ashrafs giving distorted pictures of others as lesser humans. During Muslim rules they became caucus surrounding the ruling clans spreading all sort of disinformation about all others specially the indigenous Muslims creating fear psychosis and threat apprehension in the rulers’ mind. This well thought strategy was to ensure securing coveted position in the administration and grab resources such as land during those days. In the later years of declining empire they did not even spare their masters in weakening their position and contributing to their ultimate down fall. They became Nizams, Nabaabs, Jagirdars and Jamidars without tilling the land themselves.
Even in the current days, they continue playing the same tricks against their own Ummah fellows without least realisation that now we live in a democracy and as such their days of tricks are over. Still they are at an advantageous position of the continued good financial position inherited from earlier days of their loot by all sorts of means.
2.02 On the other side there are people of Indian origin and as such indigenous to this land: Under this category the main people are Aryans and non-aryans who accepted Islam mostly on their own accord.
Among Aryans, Medes is a wide term which includes craftsmen like carpenters; iron smith etc who remained associated the medes in their profession of agriculture and cattle rearing the main profession of all tribes during the days of their migration. The fact that Meos of today are medes has been established beyond any doubt. To begin with they settled in almost all part of North West of India and moved to other parts of India at different times. This whole lot of people constitute almost 80% of the total population of Indian Muslims.
2.03 The remaining are non-aryans but of Indian origin belonging to 100 of tribes practicing different professions.
2.04 Virus of casteism: This is affecting not only origin wise it is within the people who claim to be from foreign countries or regions. On this account there is a lot of confusion and complexity. One set of people consider them superior to the other though they also claim to be of foreign origin. The example is of leading craftsmen like Ansars versus so called superior lot i.e. sheikh, syed, mughal, pathan as mentioned above. Despite all their claim of foreign origin, they remain socially indifferent to one another adding another layer of complexity to social organization of Ummah. The only fault of former is that they are traditionally skilled craftsmen par excellence and others have been holding powers due to their position in governments, land and wealth holding etc.
2.05 Further this tussle is more prominent if it is between people of external origin and indigenous. They appear to be poles apart in their treatment to one another.
They keep their identity separate and elevated as a worse type of casteism which can put to shame even the casteism prevalent in non-Muslims. They are clever enough to give their daughters in marriage to others if they are otherwise superior in profession or wealth but don’t accept their daughters. There is surprising theory behind it. They think their blood is purer than others and don’t want to mix up with lesser blood. Somebody has rightly said,
"Firqa bandi hay kaheen aur kaheen zatein hain
kya zamane mein panapne ki yahee batein hain"
"Tum syed bhi ho Mirza bhi ho Afghan bhi ho
tum sabhi kuchh ho batao ki musalman bhi ho"
They have completely forgotten even what our Prophet (PBUH) said,
“You know that every Muslim is brother of another Muslim. They are all equal. Nobody has superiority over others except in piety and good deeds.”
This whole division has created complexity and duplicity as different groups of Muslims having their different grave yards, baaras and imam baaras, imams to lead prayers, peers and hazaratjis etc. Not only that they are always ready to confront on slightest provocation and go to any extent even to kill each other. In that way they are most intolerant within the Ummah they talk so high of.
2.06 Artificial division of creating sects/jamats: Creation of jamaats and similar sects in the name of Hazaratjis, Amir ul Jamaat, pirs ets is another mechanism to tighten clutches/fists of these divisive forces on Ummah. It is a great irony, and pushes already backward and poor Ummah to further worsening conditions. The whole process has become a means of earning name, fame and money. Ajmer is one such exemplary place where this naked dance can be seen as to how pilgrims are misguided and looted and Mutawillies are becoming richer and richer.
2.07 Unity as an Ummah: It is right to say that united we stand to gain and divided we fall. Sooner we get united better it will be for achievement of worldly aims and in the world hereafter. This is not going to be an easy task. Effective awareness campaign, honest introspection, and open dialogue with identification and deliberate isolation of divisive forces will be needed. Currently, our Ummah is facing a fierce onslaught from multitude of external forces. And, it is important for the factions who consider themselves superior within Ummah to realize that it is in their interest as well to relinquish the superfluous notions of superiority and commit to utilize their existing advantageous position, skill-sets and resources for the development of all. Unity so achieved will be in the form of organised force advantageous not only to the Ummah but to the country we are living in. It will enhance our productivity and as such leading to prosperity and educational advancement. We can establish our own institutions for getting all sort of quality education to serve the country as better citizens. This unity will enable collaborative efforts that maximize the economic opportunities taking advantages of unique strengths of our community.
Let us forget our differences for common cause of Ummah and pray together to realise our aim for good here and hereafter.
Positive thinking Is a way of life which leads to the following advantages:
With a positive attitude we experience synergy of pleasant and happy feelings. This brings brightness to the eyes, glow to the face and dynamism to the whole body. Our whole brings and broadcasts good will, happiness and success. Even our health is affected in a beneficial way. We walk tall, our voice is more powerful, and our body language shows the way we feel Positive thinking is an attitude that focuses always on the bright side of life and give inspiration to expectations and achievement of positive results.
A person with positive attitude, anticipates happiness, health and success, and believes he or she can win over all day to day adversities coming in the his/her life and the same he/she wishes for others whosoever they are.
It is a trend now a days that more and more people are accepting effectiveness of positive thinking for peace of mind not only for themselves but also for all around them and as such creating a congenial environment.
Intelligent parents, teachers and elders are very serious about making it all prevailing and reaching children and youths on this aspect as evidenced by the many available books and other forms like lectures and courses about it.
It is a life style and habit forming one needs to have the attitude of positive thinking all time, everywhere and in every act one contemplates to do.
How Positive Thinking Works
Let us go through a small illustration as follows:
There is a person who is always pessimistic, lacking self-esteem and thinking of more failure than success even before attempting any task such as seeking an employment, is invariably not getting the job as a result of his negative thinking and with a complex that others are more capable and intelligent than him.
In another case, a person who is always optimistic, full of confidence, brimming with high level of self-esteem and believes in sure certain success in any venture he contemplates, is invariably going to succeed as has been the experience world over.
Some suggestive ways as to how to be on the right side of Positive Thinking attitude:
There is no short cut to have this golden virtue of being oriented to positive thinking attitude and there is no thumb rule available. However, there are some worth trying aspects for its possession such as:
Through books: Reading well chosen books and other literature, is quite inspiring leaving a long lasting impression subconsciously shaping our personality towards this quality.
Through company of good people who are inspiring you to adopt a habit of always thinking positive, it may be regarding any tasks, relationship, entrepreneurship, social work etc.
Strong imagination and visualization for favorable and beneficial environment and subsequent results out of that.
The language one uses requires right choice of words indicative of your positive thought storming in your mind and suitable to the situation and people you are facing.
Face expression and body language speak a lot about your positive thanking attitude and is very appealing to anyone you’re dealing with.
Equally important tool is creatively thinking affirmatively more and more for achievement of favorable success as your target.
Learn to smile and laugh more often
Positive thinking attitude is entirely away from one’s selfishness and always towards justice even at the cost of any personal loss or inconvenient.
It is precisely soul searching with complete unison of heart and mind to be always on the right side while making any decision in day to day affairs with anyone around.
Inculcate the habit of extending help if so required and requested to any needy person if can afford to spend time/money.
Last and not the least, it is incredible virtue one can be crowned with and sustain to the last for a lot of benefits in the life.
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