The Markazi Majlis-e-Numaindagan (Central Council of Representatives) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind during its mid-term session, presided over by Ameer (President) Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, at the JIH headquarters from 2 to 5 April 2017, adopted resolutions on the disquieting situations prevailing in the country and the rest of the world. The text of the resolutions is being published here for the benefit of our readers. Ed.
PRESENT SCENARIO OF THE COUNTRY
Right from the change of government at the Centre, the communal atmosphere in the country has been receding steadily. The activities of mischief-mongers have been on the increase; common citizens are being harassed in the name of patriotism. The situation has further worsened after the Assembly elections of Uttar Pradesh. The target of these aggressive incidents is apparently minorities, but they are also telling badly upon common people, especially backward and weaker sections. The sway of corporates and MNCs on the national economy has been increasing. Democratic space is shrinking and concentration of power is increasing. Undeclared emergency, it appears, is imposed in the country. The fact is that these incidents will cause irreversible damage to the country. It is surprising that the Government has no control over the law-breaking elements; contrarily, the feeling is rife that the latter are enjoying the support and backing of the ruling section. This session of the Markazi Majlis-e-Numaindagan of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind expresses its grave concern over this situation, and draws the attention of the Government to take notice of it sincerely and to strive responsibly for the maintenance of rule of law. This is a fact that the present government has the support of those having a particular aggressive viewpoint on politics and society; however it raised the slogan “sab ka saath, sab ka vikas” at the time of the general elections. Its first requirement is that it exercise control over those mongering mischiefs in the society in the name of patriotism.
This great country of ours wants to be a big power in the world, to be in the rank of developed countries. Owing to her man power, geographical vastness and natural resources, it is her due right. But it also requires a great amount of magnanimity and great moral power. To be regarded as a big power, where economic, military, scientific and technological resources are essential, moral power, love and compassion, human brotherhood and an atmosphere of peace is equally essential. But due to certain policies of the ruling section and its supporting elements, the moral status of the country stands badly affected. Many parts of the population are restless. Communalism and a social system based on by-birth class distinction are present in the society even today. It is surprising that the so-called patriots do talk of high moral values in the society but they do not pay attention to these evils. This session of the Markazi Majlis-e-Numaindagan respects the desire to emerge as a big power but at the same time appeals to the government to pay urgent attention to internal stability and respect of law in the country.
INTERNATIONAL SCENARIO
This session of the Jamaat’s Markazi Majlis-e-Numaindagan looks with concern at Islam bashing, rising Islamophobia, and brazen expression as well as propaganda of hatred against Islam at the international level, especially in America and Europe, and considers this trend dangerous for world peace. New rulers, right from coming to power, are taking such measures that exhibit open hostility towards Islam, and now there is a rush for surpassing each other in this regard.
During the last 70 years the influence of Islamic Movements has been felt at the international level, as a result of which the desire for practising Islam, associating one’s identity with it and implementing it in the world has risen among Muslims. Also, due to various reasons Muslims have started settling down in Western countries and thus Islam has started finding expression at places over there. In reaction to it, certain advocates of racism, Zionism and Christianity chose to create an anti-Islam atmosphere. Opposition to Hijab and Jihad and writing, speaking and ridiculing Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) and at certain times resorting to violence are becoming their trait. To the Majlis-e-Numaindagan, this attitude of theirs is in sharp contrast of the sense of humanity, dignity and the religious freedom well acknowledged in the documents of their countries.
The Majlis-e-Numaindagan is of the view that this wave of Islam bashing is also being fanned to cleanse the Muslim populations under its pretext. By now millions of Muslims have been done to death in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. This is just to pretend that the west talks of plural society but in reality it does not want the people of different parts to live together with their respective cultures, languages and religions as they had been doing in Muslim sultanates in the past. This session of the Numaindagan wants to remind them that with this rising pace of Islamophobia peace in society will be seriously affected and the foundations of human rights and democratic values, which the west claims so vociferously, will be rooted out. This disparaging sickness has enveloped education, employment, media, politics, internet and even the department of justice. One misfortune of the present world is that such rulers of extremist kind are coming to power who during the elections and after taking hold of power are openly disseminating hatred against Islam, as a result of which the values of justice, dignity and humanity are being violated. This session wants to remind them that consciencelessness is in fact the death of the man within. People should move towards a society where there is no differentiation on the bases of complexion, language and race, where high human values are respected, where human life, property, honour and dignity are preferred, the protection and promotion of which are the first priority and responsibility.
This session of the Jamaat feels that for this situation the Muslim Ummah is also responsible to the extent that a large number of them are oblivious of the fact that Allah has crowned them as Khair-e-Ummah (the Best Ummah), that they have practically ignored the divinely assigned duty of bearing witness to humanity. This session feels that the most important way to solve this issue is performing this duty. The Qur’ān teaches us to defeat the mischief with solid arguments, good manners and nice conduct; and this magnanimity is expected from the Muslim Ummah alone.
APPEAL TO INDIAN MUSLIMS
This session of Jamaat’s Markazi Majlis-e-Numaindagan expresses its concern over the difficult situation confronting the Muslims of India, and appeals to them to face this situation with zeal and enthusiasm, courage and valour. This is a fact that the Muslim Ummah is facing difficult challenges in the whole world but it has to face new challenges in India in particular. This session reminds them that this is the time they should give the proof of Islamic sense of honour, determination, courage and steadfastness; they should make efforts to influence the situation with Islamic insight and courage. We should also remember that all situations are under the perfect control of Allah; He can change them whenever He wills.
This session believes that Muslim youth are enthusiastic and courageous; there is belief in Allah in the hearts of Muslim populace; they love the Deen and have selflessness and sincere passion for its eminence. Muslim women are also exhibiting extraordinary Islamic passion and are replete with the sense of selflessness and sacrifice. The recent boiling protests for the protection of Shari’ah in different parts of the country are living testimony to this fact. The pleasant aspect of this scenario is that despite mounting pressure many justice-loving persons from among the countrymen have come to the fore in an undaunting manner for the sake of justice. Among them are all – religious leaders, teachers and students, journalists and social workers.
The Majlis-e-Numaindagan wants to remind the Indian Muslims that it is the explicit teaching of Allah’s Deen that even at the stages of severe trials they should not lose patience and fortitude. Muslims are a purposeful lot; they should strengthen further their association with the purpose, keep an eye not only on negative aspects but on positive aspects of the scenario as well, and gather their power and strength. There is no doubt that a situation is being created against Islam and Muslims but Muslims ought not to indulge in any negative response and uncalled-for course of action. Hatred should be responded with well-wishing. Conscious efforts should be made to change the distance into closeness. The organisations, institutions and collective efforts of the Millat are all its invaluable assets. The need is to protect these assets and to give them constructive direction so that the Message of Truth may be known to all and the problems confronting the Muslims may be resolved.