As responsible citizens we can never agree that “where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise”. All well informed people are duty bound, to intend, express or preach and practise righteousness, the lone criterion for distinction in the eyes of Allah between one soul and another, here and in hereafter.
The other day I happened to listen to a Juma Kutba near my native place in AP, where the imam, while touching upon the need to educate all in Islamic matters, referring mistakenly the Qur’ānic verses pertaining to believers and disbelievers, who are indeed compared to the living and the dead respectively, started stressing that those who do not read and write are like the dead. Not a single person out of those present raised any objection to this absolute misinformation.
Unfortunately, this is the level of ignorance prevailing among Muslims in particular. The present generation needs to be informed about the fountain of knowledge and scientific temper that Islam has and Muslims used to have.
The Islam-loving are bound to face resistance from the Zionists against the banner of liberty, unity, equality, justice and fraternity among all humans, without any exception.
We have to distinguish between literacy and lack of knowledge. Reading and learning need not always necessarily be through eyesight. One can both read and learn through the faculty of ears as well. Listening to the Qur’ān is considered superior to reading.
We have to understand that knowledge is also different from belief or Imaan and aql or wisdom. Today there is no dearth of knowledgeable persons, but common sense has become uncommon.
I was surprised, when someone offered a copy of the Qur’ān to read, quipped that he wants to consult an aalim on whether it is permissible to read a Telugu translation of the Qur’ān. The so-called aalim donning black beard and white kurta pyjama instead of clearing his doubt started asking who authored this translation.
Unfortunately, we hear about quarrels and even violence in mosques among various sects today. As many of us are aware that now-a-days in every mosque there is a particular group influencing the so-called mutawalli or guardian who should be consulted, before any book except Arabic original of the Qur’ān can be donated for reading in Masjid. Even internationally acknowledged English translations like those of Abdulla Yusuf Ali and of Maulana Abul A’la Maudoodi are objected to be kept in many mosques.
There are others who think it is not possible for ordinary people to understand the Qur’ān either original or translation.
One degree-holder brother-in Islam even refused to accept and go through a handy translation of the Qur’ān into English, considering it a big sin.
It is good we honour hifz and hafiz but it is a pity very few understand the need and importance of understanding, spreading and practising the message and universal teachings of Islam, as final revision of divine guidance for entire humanity until the doomsday.
It is pennywise and pound foolish not to conduct Dars-e-Qur’ān in mosques.