Every Indian Should Read Munshi Prem Chand's Article on Islamic Civilization
By
Munshi Prem Chand, Tr. New Age Islam
16 October
2021
The
Sense Of Fraternity And Justice Has Played An Important Role In The Spread Of
Islamic Civilization
Main
Points:
1. Hindus and Muslims have misconceptions about
each other
2. Neither Hindus nor Muslims have the
opportunity to investigate the truth of Islam or the reality of Hinduism.
3. Non-Muslims were frequently appointed to
positions of governmental authority during the progress of Islamic
civilization.
4. The caliph, like everyone else, had to work
hard to make a living.
5. Will a cleaner not be proud when he finds
himself praying in line with the aristocrats and dignitaries of his city?
......
Hindus and
Muslims have coexisted in India for about a thousand years. They are,
nevertheless, still unable to speak with one another in a courteous manner. A
Hindu is a mystery to a Muslim, and a Muslim is a mystery to a Hindu. Neither
Hindus nor Muslims have the opportunity to investigate the truth of Islam or
the reality of Hinduism. They're ready to fight over the worthless discussion.
Hindus
think that Muslims are responsible for the world's woes because they lack
mercy, faith, morals, and limits. Hindus, according to Muslims, are stone
worshipers, thread wearers, and head-dyed animals. It's as though their
religions are constructed on the foundations of hatred and animosity. We don't
want to remark on Hindu-Muslim animosity at this time; instead, we want to
assess how accurate Hindus' assessments of Muslim civilisation are.
No
religion, as far as we know, has placed as much emphasis on justice as Islam
has. Islam is predicated on fairness, and there is equal justice for kings and
subjects, rich and poor. There are no exceptions for anyone, and there is no
favouritism. Hundreds of stories exist in which the powerless have triumphed over
the most powerful authorities when it comes to the power of justice. There are
several examples of kings sacrificing their princesses, wives, and even
themselves for the sake of justice.
Whenever
the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent people to preach Islam, he used
to say, “When people ask you what is the key to heaven? You should say that it
is the worship of Allah and good deeds.”
In the days
when the flag of Islam was flying from Cuttack to the Danube and from Turkestan
to Spain, the Muslim kings had no equal in generosity. Non-Muslims were
frequently appointed to positions of governmental authority.
Even the
university chancellors were Christians and Jews. The sole requirements for the
job were merit and qualification. It was unrelated to religion in any way.
Every school had the phrase "the foundation of the earth is only four
things: the wisdom of the wise, the prayer of the virtuous, the power of the
courageous, and the justice of the ruler" carved on the door.
Who in the
world has been the leader of a religion other than Muhammad (peace be upon him)
who has made it a sin to bow before anyone other than God? There was no
discriminatory place for a king in the community that Muhammad (peace be upon
him) created. Only one caliph was chosen to govern. There was no stipend,
salary, manor, or state for this elected caliph. It was purely for the sake of
honour that the caliph held the office. The caliph, like everyone else, had to
work hard to make a living. While overseeing a big country, such great men who
the great kings admired patched shoes, wrote books and taught children for a
living.
The Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) never claimed to be the leader of any group. His
treasury portion was the same as that of a regular soldier. He had to sometimes
suffer so much as a result of the coming of guests that he had to sell his
personal belongings. Despite that, he never thought of increasing his share?
Will a
cleaner not be proud when he finds himself praying in line with the aristocrats
and dignitaries of his city? This sense of fraternity is responsible for the
global triumph of Islamic civilization.
-----
The article
about Islamic civilization by Munshi Prem Chand was first published in Pratap
in 1925.
(Translated
From Urdu By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi)
Source: Satyagrah Scroll In
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/munshi-premchand-indian-islamic/d/125587
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