But
it is also undeniable that after Prophet Muhammad
(p.b.u.h) and his immediate companions and followers,
in the first century itself, many non-Islamic
practices crept in social and political set
up of the Muslims. The influence of different
races coming under the fold of Islam from outside
of the Arabian Peninsula, their political ambitions,
tribal rivalries and environmental aspects also
took its toll. Thus in later period, we find
mostly the rule of family dynasties instead
of the Qur’anic form of governance as
established by the Prophet Mohammed (p.b.u.h.).
Ironically these rulers had no dearth of the
sycophant clergymen who were ever willing to
manipulate the established Qur’anic norms.
The ulemas (religious scholars) who did not
approve of their tyrannical designs faced suppression.
These coterie of clerics unscrupulously granted
religious sanction to rather un-Islamic acts
of these rulers to exploit the masses. Then
in one dynasty, we observe many ups and downs,
achievements and failures. Many a times there
were social reforms, economic developments,
and flourishing civilizations. Some times lawlessness,
civil wars, family infightings, political unrests
and anarchy were the features of their misrule.
If we blame Islam for all their misadventures,
it will be a great injustice. For, no sane historian
will hold Christianity responsible for the dark
ages in Europe.
Thus,
in the same period, we see many a things in
the rule of Ummaids in Spain and Mughals in
India, which were contradictory to the basic
principles of the Holy Qur’an and teachings
of Prophet Mohammad. India under Afghan, Turk
and Mughal rulers, looks divided on the lines
of castes and sub-castes and on economic level
even the Muslims are a divided lot. Again in
the name of Islam, we see contradictory views
and infightings among various faiths, creeds,
sects like Sunni, Shia, Wahabi,
Deobandi, Barelvi, Hanafi, Shafai, Humbali,
Malki, Salafi etc. No just historian will
put the blame of all these on Islam as a religion.
After
these preliminary observations, we shall come
to the crux of the matter. Let us make it clear
that replying to questions, making clarification
or defending the Muslims has never been our
concern. We only want to see whether the Qur’an
really contains all that which is being objected
to. Here we shall make an objective analysis
of the claims against the Book of the Creator
of this world. It is indeed a matter of serious
research whether the Creator Himself has made
the distinction between man and man or the Muslim
themselves derive such unfounded implication
of the Qur’anic injunctions, prompted
by the commentaries or interpretation of the
scholars who had their own political compulsions.
It must also be taken into account whether the
objections are placed with a desire to search
the reality or just to poison the mind of the
people in respect of the Qur’an.
It
has often been found that even the intellectuals
have confusing ideas with regard to the history
of past and present day Arabs and Muslims. They
mix up political upheavals and inhuman character
of some rulers with the religion. Also they
are not able to distinguish between Muslim rule
in Muslim lands and Muslims ruled non-Muslims.
To
sum up, it can be said that neither in the Qur’an
nor in the traditions of the Prophet do we find
any insulting remarks against the followers
of other religions. On the contrary Qur’an
commands the Muslims in Chapter 6, Verse 108:
"Do
not revile or insult those beings whom they
invoke instead of ALLAH, lest they revile ALLAH
out of spite, and in ignorance. For goodly indeed
have WE made their own doings appear unto every
community. In time, however, unto their Sustainer
they must return: and then HE will make them
understand all that they were doing.”
