The contemporary Islamic world lacked the guts to question the European line of thinking and the discontent, which burst out in the form of Arab Spring, opined Prof. A.K. Ramakrishnan, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Though the Arab Spring has got economic and social implications, it is the protest and resistance of identity against the estrangement of Islamic world, that was visible on Arab Streets, he said while addressing the audience in the dialogue on ‘Positioning Islam in the Changing Times’, organised at Rajendra Bhawan in the Capital under the aegis of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Delhi and Haryana on 17 March.
Individualised comparison is disappearing in the Neoliberal restructuring of new world order. Individuals should not be treated as a mere condition to make society. Every individual is a unique entity and the freedom of individuality is inviolable, he continued. The traditional knowledge contained in religious texts, and the modern knowledge are separated and compartmentalised. It is only when a judicious union of both is ensured, the Ijtihad (interpretation of laws) in Islam becomes meaningful and relevant. Islamic society should emphasise the contemporisation of interpretation. A relevant interpretation is possible only with a deep comprehension of modern world and its ideologies. The modern Islamic movements require an intellectual raw of this calibre, added Prof. Ramakrishnan.
Madhyamam Media One Group Editor, Mr. O Abdurahman opined that the Islamic Shari’ah is not a mere collection of the punitive orders as is grossly misunderstood, but rather it is a plan of action to ensure social justice and social security. Punishment is applicable only after establishing a just social order and meant only for those who still pose a real threat to societal order by gross violation of laws. The give and take of thoughts and ideas should result in healthy intellectual confrontation. God never wanted elimination of diversity, and has never intended to see the whole world as a uniform entity, he asserted.
At a time when capitalism became synonymous of vulgarism and socialism almost disappeared from the scene, the leftist government in Kerala is now forced to come forward and support the interest-free banking system, said Sheikh Mohd. Karakunnu, Assistant Amir, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Kerala.
The time has gone when the political role of Islam was ignored and subjugated. The world has now well recognised it as a revolutionary political alternative. Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt and Turkey are testimony to this. Along with a strong economic system, a moral and cultural system is inevitable. Beyond a superficial legal structure, human kind should imbibe a strong moral base. The Islamic rulers had well appreciated the necessity of diversity. The Muslim population during Caliph Omar’s rule was just three per cent. Social Justice was the unique contribution of Omar. It was Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him), who presented the first comprehensive constitution to the world, reminded Sheikh.
Those who addressed the gathering also include C. Chandran, President, Delhi Malayali Association, and Fr. Thomas, Former National Director Commission for Religious Harmony, CBCI, New Delhi.
Mr. Parwaz Rehmani, Secretary, JIH, Delhi and Haryana delivered the welcome address, and Dawah Secretary, Mr. Waris Hussein delivered vote of thanks. Mr. Abdul Waheed, Amir JIH, Delhi and Haryana was also present on the dais.