The write-up “Al-Azhar, Dar-ul-Uloom and Nadwah” by Mr. Ausaf (Radiance, 24-30 June, 2007) makes an unpleasant reading to say the least to readers like me. It does not serve any purpose. On the other hand it damages the Islamic cause for which we all stand. Its rubbish contents are worthy of outright rejection. I don’t want to repeat them in any manner and insult our faith. We should not allow filth to encroach noble religious thoughts. There is no point in quoting an absurd fatwa. Moreover, we cannot under-estimate the importance of Al-Azhar on the basis of a fallacy by one or two of its products. If we apply this yardstick no religious institution will be safe. Our argument must be issue-based.
I strongly believe that a Muslim should always be rational without losing his wisdom under any circumstances and apply his mind. There are senseless “priests” in all religious communities who come out with surprising solutions to the people’s problems, preach and act in such a manner that one can only consider them as lunatics. The print as well as visual media continue to highlight their highhandedness and atrocities to the people. Blind faith is suicidal. The holy Qur’an advises the people to think deep before believing anything or taking any decision.
No religion should be exploited and no religious principle should be distorted for any purpose. We Muslims should also be careful in presenting our case and tackling our problems. While explaining our stand we should not provide “inflammable materials” to the enemies of Islam who are on the lookout for them to beat us and our faith.
V.M. Khaleelur Rahman
Ambur, Tamil Nadu