What is the purpose of man on earth? What is his role in society? How should he behave with his fellow beings? What should be the relationship between man and woman? These are some of the fundamental questions, the answers to which can pave the way to ascertain the role of religion in the making of a society. These were the views expressed by Mr. Nusrat Ali, Secretary-General Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) while presiding over a discussion on The Role of Religion in the Making of a Society, organised by JIH at Gandhi Peace Foundation in the Capital on November 8.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. M. Iqbal Mulla, Secretary JIH expressed his grave concern on the seclusion of society from religion.
Setting the tone of discussion, he said that God, the Creator has not left man to wander about in search of guidance in human life; He has given a complete way of life which guides man in every sphere of life. The discussion started with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’ān by Qari Abdul Mannan, and Hindi rendering of the verses was presented by Mr. Abdur Rab Karimi.
Participating in the discussion, Swami Sarvananda Saraswati, Vice Chancellor Bharti Shripeetham, highlighted the importance of humility and politeness in society. He asked the audience to spread his message of smile; thereby the atmosphere of hate and enmity prevalent in society can be changed. He also lamented that sadhus hardly wear a smiling face.
In his discussion, Mr. Z.A. Mansoorie, Secretary JIH Delhi and Haryana, said, “Though religion is the most important ingredient of society, our religious gurus have failed rather miserably to make use of religious teachings in running the affairs of society.”
He further said that though India is a country of many religions yet religion is used here merely as a means of crisis management. This tendency keeps the society running de facto and thus this ‘emergency service of religion’ is insufficient in the construction of society. “We will have to learn the ways to march from de facto to de jure,” he stressed.
Mr. Mansoorie then talked on what true religion can be. He said that true religion is one that is God-centric and that keeps the society God-conscious. “A healthy society cannot be built if you are indifferent to religion,” he added.
“As for Islam, it presents a well-defined, transparent and universal concept of monotheism, which keeps the society free from crimes and corruption,” he noted.
Representing Buddhism, B. Vishwa Bandhu told the audience to control senses, which would eventually lead to keeping the society on healthy grounds.
Mr. Jaleel Asghar, Assistant Secretary (Dawah) JIH, extended vote of thanks.
Islam the Complete Way of Life: Sheikh Muhammed Karakunnu
Islam is the complete way of life and its bases are the Qur’ān and the saying as well as deeds of the Prophet, said Sheikh Muhammed Karakunnu, director Dialogue Centre, Kerala. He was inaugurating the open forum at the Dhisha Islamic Exhibition held at Thrissur recently.
Islam teaches that the life on earth is momentary and that the life hereafter is unending. A social order is set up focusing on individual as well as social life. Islam has presented even a political system. Islam’s is the spiritual system that includes all these, Sheikh said.
He said that the laws in Islam are part of the faith. It controls man. It controls the consumerist nature of man and has laws even for the protection of nature. Had material thoughts been able to provide peace of mind, several modern thinkers and writers would not have been affected by depression. Only spiritual thoughts and beliefs can give peace of mind, he added.
The audience asked questions on several topics which were answered by the panel members. The session was presided over by NM Abdurahman, state secretary of the Dialogue Centre Kerala.
Sheikh Muhammed Karakunnu and EM Muhammed Ameen replied to the questions raised. CKB Valoor welcomed the audience and Beeran Kutty Moulvi delivered vote of thanks.
The ‘Dhisha’ Islamic Exhibition was organised by the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Kerala. The exhibition presenting Islam was inaugurated by state Revenue Minister KP Rajendran on October 31. Seminars, discussions and cultural programmes are held in the evenings. The exhibition will conclude on November 8.