Islamic Emirate in the Heart of Asia
آسيا يک پيکر آب وگل است ملّت افغان در آن پيکر دل است از فساد او فساد آسيا درگشاد او گشا د آسيا تا دل آزاد است آزاد است تن ورنه کاهي در رهي باد است تن همچوتن پا بند آين است دل مرده ازکين زنده ازدين است دل قوّت دين از مقام وحدت است وحدت ار مشهود گردد ملّت است Translation: Asia is like a body made of clay and water and Afghanistan like a heart in that body. If there is peace in Afghanistan, there will be tranquility in entire Asia. But if there is chaos in Afghanistan, there will be disorder in the entire Asia. Like the body, the heart too is bound by laws — the heart dies of hatred, lives of deen (Islam). The power of deen (Islam) derives from unity; when unity becomes visible, it is a nation.[1] - Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877 – 1938), Javed Nama. The prophetic words of Iqbal came true as we noticed how Afghan conflict created instability in the entire region, for almost 2 decades that US occupied the country after 9/11. As US withdrawal nears we can also foresee Iqbal's prophecy of Deen (Islam) as a major uniting factor for all Afghans resulting in stability for entire Asia being fulfilled. After spending more than a trillion dollar, deploying 140,000 troops, 20 years fighting, losing thousands of troops and no victory in sight against the Taliban, the US and their NATO ally has decided to finally withdraw and end the endless war. The Qatar based US-Taliban deal reached in Feb 2020 will allow all international forces to withdraw by deadline of May 1, 2021. The deal did not include any reconciliation between Taliban and the Afghan government, whom the former consider as puppet of the United States. The Taliban, however, did agree to intra-afghan dialogue with all sincere independent parties that hold influence and authority in the Afghan society for the formation of an Islamic Government, which is their ultimate demand and purpose of struggling against the foreigners. This writing aims to present the correct picture of Taliban which has been largely blurred through their victimization by the international media terming them as violent and uneducated backwards individuals, Islamic Extremists, women rights abusers, supporters of terrorism etc. On the contrary Taliban have proven to be that formidable force that have the potential to bring peace to the heart of Asia. The Emergence of Taliban After Soviet withdrawal in 1980 Afghanistan descended into civil war. With plenty weapons, fighters and a collapse of the Soviet backed government in Kabul, independent commanders began asserting their authority. To fill this security vacuum regional and international players threw their weight behind their choice of commanders. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and others began supporting influential commanders like Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, Abdul Mazari, Abdul Rashid Dostum, Burhanuddin Rabbani, and the famous Tajik fighter Ahmad Shah Masood, often backed by either one or two of these countries. While these groups fought for control of territory, lawlessness spread throughout Afghanistan and it was during this chaos that a movement from Kandahar, Southern Afghanistan emerged. A handful of fighters decided to put an end to the lawlessness and infighting. The Taliban came to power after capturing Kabul and setting up their government in 1996. They declared their new state as Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. They remained in power till 2001 and then overthrown by US invasion of Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11. Who are The Taliban? The word Taalib means student and the Taliban is a plural of Taalib. The movement’s leadership consisted mainly of Taalibs that were graduates of Madrassah’s hence they became referred to this term. They are religiously affiliated with Deobandi tradition within the Hanafi school, one of the major four schools of thought in Islam. The Deobandi tradition originated from Deoband city in India. This school is known to produce personalities that have struggled with sword and pen against colonialists during British Raj. Names like Imdadullah Mohajir Makki, Muhammad Qasim Nanautvi, Mahmood ul Hassan Deobandi, Ubaidullah Sindhi comes to mind when struggle for independence against British is mentioned. The Taliban are mainly graduates of Deobandi Madrassah’s spread across North West Pakistan and Eastern Afghanistan, the Pashtun heartland. Many of the movement leaders in their youth had fought against Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Mullah Zaaef Abul Salaam, the former Afghan ambassador to Pakistan writes in his "My Life With Taliban" how the movement began in mid-90s: “All over Afghanistan people faced the same situation; the entire province of Kandahar was crawling with rogue commanders and bandits lingering along the roads and cities.” Rogue commanders practiced stealing, looting, women were being raped, there was no police force. It was late autumn 1994 when a couple of Taalibs including Mullah Zaeef, and the late Mullah Omar, the Ameer of Taliban, along with other likeminded ones started their movement that had no logo, no name, no money, no cars, only a few weapons but carried the ambition to bring peace to their country by implementation of Shariah law. After establishment of their first checkpoint on Herat-Kandahar highway they started to establish law and order. Due to their sincere efforts to bring about peace and stability several volunteers started to join their ranks, businessmen started donating money, there was hope in hearts for the first time in years, and many were quick to embrace what they were standing for.[2] As the Taliban continued capturing territory and establishing justice, it was not long before they became a formidable force strong enough to take over Kabul by 1996, and began controlling 90% Afghanistan. They declared their new state as Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan which was officially accepted by only 3 countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE & Pakistan. The remaining 10% was under Northern Alliance, an alliance of political leaders and commanders backed by regional and international countries like Russia, US, Iran, India, who opposed and resisted the Taliban movement. The Taliban leaders were mainly from Pashtun background while Northern Alliance included members from other ethnic groups such as Hazarvis, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Pashtuns etc. It was this alliance that would later form the chore of US installed Afghan government post 9/11. Despite being ousted from power after US invasion, Taliban continued their fight from their rural stronghold for the next almost 20 years against more than 140,000 US/NATO troops and 250,000 Afghan forces backed by coordinated air support. As a result of their relentless struggle, despite against all odds like technical superiority of the enemy, they managed to win back half of the country and have succeeded in establishing a functioning state in that part. How did the Taliban Succeed against International Forces? Being local Afghans, the Taliban are not only resilient fighters resisting against what many Afghans see as foreign occupation, but they also succeeded in providing swift justice where they established themselves after winning territory from US and Afghan forces. A 2019 news report shows that across the country, an increasing number of Afghans are seeking justice in Taliban courts, citing frustration with the state’s bureaucracy, corruption and lengthy processing times. Today nearly half of the country remains under Taliban control and their courts are organized and documented and its often mullahs and religious leaders who act as judges and lawyers, enforcing sharia law. What was almost impossible to be resolved before would be solved by Taliban courts within a matter of days.[3] A US analyst and expert on Afghanistan predicted in a recent report that in addition to military tactics, providing justice through Shariah will help Taliban gain further ground in the event of a US withdrawal. The report agrees how such strategy has helped Taliban win hearts and minds of local populace. It notes that Afghan citizens have cited the expediency, limited cost, and access to Taliban courts as notable advantages over the formal Afghan government system. A local resident of Paktika Province stated, “The Taliban courts don’t disturb people and tell them to wait for a long time before hearing a case, or demand bribes.”[4] In addition to providing justice, the Taliban government is also providing public services. Overseas Development Institute (ODI), in their report “Life Under The Taliban Shadow Government”, surveyed millions of Afghans living under the group’s influence and stated that the Taliban with their honesty, despite minimum resources, are providing services such as building roads, bridges and religious schools.[5] On the other hand the corrupt US backed Afghan government in last 20 years have wasted billions of dollars provided by their partners for construction and development. One of the primary reasons for the loss is state corruption. The injection of billions of dollars, largely unmonitored, fueled runaway corruption among both Afghans and international contractors.[6] Since Taliban have managed to maintain law and order during war times against Afghan government and foreign forces, there is no doubt that they can do even a better job in governing the country when in power after withdrawal of International Forces. It was in 2000, the Taliban Ameer was successful in eradication of the opium within its own territory, what hundreds of experts and millions of dollars and several international forums could not achieve. On July 2000 Mullah Omar gave a fatwa (decree) for a complete ban on Opium production that reduced 86% of all the production of Afghanistan, greatest that there has ever been since its boom in 80s and early 90s, as per United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes Report in June 2001. The remaining growth was taking place in areas under control of Northern Alliance opposition, backed by Western countries. After 2001, champions of human rights, free thinkers and women rights supporters decided to invade Afghanistan and production was back up and running.[7] Propaganda Machine against Taliban As the US President has announced a final withdrawal of all forces from Afghanistan, a wave of propaganda similar to the months leading to 2001 US invasion has already been unleashed by Western media houses. The world is being frightened that Afghanistan will descend into a civil war and once again become a safe haven of international terrorism and launchpad for attacks by ISIS and Al Qaeda. While this is being pushed through media it is being ignored how Taliban succeeded to disarm independent groups under their rule and have even managed to defeat ISIS that mysteriously made its way into Afghanistan during foreign occupation. As per Voice of America, top U.S. official Central Command’s General Kenneth McKenzie admitted Taliban's success against IS-Khorasan, an affiliate of ISIS/Daesh. "We've watched the Taliban compress and crush ISIS’s presence on the ground in southern Nangarhar province," Last year Taliban did a 14 day military operation against ISIS and claimed “The entire province of Kunar was cleared of Daesh criminals and the people were rescued through this victory,” The Taliban's claim to defeat and clear Kunar province from ISIS was also confirmed by US intelligence. “The Taliban’s campaign against ISIS-Khorasan in Kunar province is consistent with Taliban public statements to rout the group from Afghanistan,” a U.S. counterterrorism official told VOA.[8] A misconception weaponized as propaganda against the Taliban is that they are women rights abusers. The Western media usually interviews women in urban centers to share their viewpoint on Taliban who normally remember their rule from back in the 1990s. These critics normally ignore international and domestic challenges when Taliban came in to power in 1996. Crippled by 10 year soviet war, then 5 year civil war and then Western support of armed opposition (Northern Alliance) against Taliban, including international sanctions and the UN pressure to eradicate opium, need to be kept in view before blaming Afghan Taliban for not providing women rights and opportunities for work. What Taliban were specifically demonized by international press was after their refusal to allow co-education system and removal of headscarves at institutes and workplaces. When inquired by Al Jazeera about fear of ban on women education, Taliban spokesperson made it clear “Women have the right to seek education but should follow the Islamic law. Women are supposed to be covered before they step out of their homes. We will make sure they get an education, but they cannot mingle with men whether in schools or in offices.”[9] In 2019 Taliban chief negotiator Mullah Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanakzai was inquired the same to which he replied “Islam has given women all fundamental rights, such as business and ownership, inheritance, education, work, choosing one’s husband, security, health and right to good life.” However, he added, “If the world thinks we give the women the rights America or the West gives to them, this is not congruent with the culture and tradition and our religion.” Why World Powers fear an Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan? After the US-Taliban deal in Qatar, states like Iran, Pakistan, China, Russia and Turkey, have come forward to persuade Taliban to give up a few things: First, that they should forgo the name "Islamic Emirate" of Afghanistan. Second, to take part in so called democratic elections and form a joint government in cooperation with extremely corrupt US backed Afghan government. Thirdly, for Taliban not to govern based on Shariah, which the Wests and its allies call a Draconian law. All praise is due to Allah ﷻ, the Taliban have rejected all such demands and have continued to remain steadfast on their mission for implementation of Shariah in Afghanistan, which they firmly believe is their right as Muslims and no one can deny them. In last month Moscow Conference representatives of China, US, Russia, and quite amazingly Islamic Republic of Pakistan, made the above demands. Khairullah Khairkhwa, a member of the negotiating team, who was one of five Taliban freed from the US prison on Guantanamo Bay in 2013 responded to the three superpowers in the room “I started ‘jihad’ [holy war] to remove foreign forces from my country and establish an Islamic government, and jihad will continue until we reach that goal through a political agreement,”[10] What really concerns the geopolitical powers is that Taliban's ability to defeat foreign occupiers through consistent and steadfast resistance for many years and eventual formation of an Islamic State, will make them a prime example for other resistance movements fighting against technologically advanced occupiers in Yemen, Gaza, Kashmir, Uighurs, Syria etc. Hence, despite Taliban’s assurances to these powers that Afghan territory will not be used by groups to harm other states, they insist that Taliban give up the Islamic dream. The dream which when becomes reality provides an alternative to the corrupt and manipulative Western democratic model, a model which was imposed on Muslims post-colonial era. As we near the May 1, 2021 withdrawal deadline, the new Biden Administration has declared to delay the withdrawal to September 11 which is a violation to the Qatar agreement. Its important to note that so far Taliban did not breach any part of what was agreed in Qatar and were hoping to receive the same from US but did not. They have promised to resume attacks against the foreign troops post May 1. What's more important to note is that the Afghan government and its army is heavily dependent on foreign financial and military support, especially airstrikes to keep Taliban away from urban centers. Once all international troops leave, and in the absence of airstrikes, experts are already predicting that it would not be long before Taliban overrun Kabul and soon the entire Afghanistan. References: [1] Iqbal, Sir Muhammad. Javidnama. Translated by Arberry, Arthur John and Dar, Bashir Ahmad. Lahore: Iqbal Academy Pakistan, 2014. [2] Zaeef, Abdul Salam, My Life with the Taliban, Columbia University Press, 2010 [3] Afghans flock to Taliban courts seeking swift justice, Got a problem? The Taliban could solve it in a day, The National, Stefanie Glinski, May 20, 2019, https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/asia/afghans-flock-to-taliban-courts-seeking-swift-justice-1.864063 [4] Have the Taliban Changed?, Combating Terrorism Center At West Point, MARCH 2021, VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3, Authors: THOMAS RUTTIG. https://ctc.usma.edu/have-the-taliban-changed/ [5] From road tax to courts: The Taliban’s attempts at state-building, Al Jazeera, By Ruchi Kumar, 26 Aug 2018, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/08/26/from-road-tax-to-courts-the-talibans-attempts-at-state-building/ [6] US wastes billions on reconstruction and vehicles in Afghanistan, TRT World, 1 MAR 2021 https://www.trtworld.com/americas/us-wastes-billions-on-reconstruction-and-vehicles-in-afghanistan-44616 [7] United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes Report, June 26, 2001, Global Illicit Drug Trends 2001, Afghanistan, https://www.unodc.org/pdf/report_2001-06-26_1/analysis_afghanistan.pdf [8] US Admits Taliban Offensive Is Whittling IS's Grip on Afghanistan, Voice of America South And Central Asia, By Jeff Seldin, March 20, 2020, https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/us-admits-taliban-offensive-whittling-iss-grip-afghanistan [9] Afghans fear the rising influence of Taliban, Al Jazeera, By Shereena Qazi, 12 Oct 2015, https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2015/10/12/afghans-fear-the-rising-influence-of-taliban [10] Taliban expect US withdrawal in May; vow to restore Islamic rule, Al Jazeera, 19 Mar 2021,https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/19/afghan-president-replaces-security-ministers-in-surprise-move
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Will sudden change in Pakistan's foreign policy help resolve Kashmir Dispute?
One of the Prophet's companions named Abu Ayyub Al Ansari (r.a) narrates that after having won several battles against enemies they decided to give up fighting and focus on economic prosperity. Thereupon Allah, the Exalted, revealed to the Prophet ﷺ: (Al Quran 2:195) And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining] - Abu Ayyub (r.a) says that this was revealed to remind that our primary focus should not be improvement of economy, for doing so will cause them to abandon fighting (i.e. jihad) resulting in their humiliation at the hands of enemies. [Kitab Al Jihab - Hadith 2512, Sunan Abu Dawud] So impactful was this on Abu Ayyub Al Ansari (r.a) that he while being very old accompanied one of the first Muslim armies to Constantinople and died while fighting there. His tomb in Istanbul is still a reminder for us all. At the recent Islamabad Security Dialogue, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed the need for regional Economic integration and development which could not be achieved till Kashmir issue remained unresolved. His speech was a clear indication of a will to start talks to normalize ties with India, raising observer eyebrows as to what caused this change of heart. A day later, Pakistan Army Chief General Bajwa echoed similar sentiments towards India while stressing that "demography, economy and technology were the drivers of change in the world" and it was "time to bury the past and move forward".[1] These statements were followed by the latest ceasefire between India and Pakistan that went into effect on Feb 24, 2021. There have been many ceasefires in the last several decades over line of control, the de facto border separating the Pakistani Kashmir from Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir state. But the one that went into effect on Feb 24 is very different. It’s important to note that after coming to power, Imran Khan made it very clear to the world that there can be no dialogue with the sitting Indian government ruled by BJP political party, an RSS Organization affiliate, that follows a Nazi inspired racist ideology of Hindu supremacy over entire South Asia. The famous 2019 UN speech by the Pakistani PM, in which he raised the Kashmir issue and warned of rising Islamophobia loud and clear, made him appear as a Muslim champion rather than a nationalist image that was usual from a Pakistani leader. Separatist Kashmiri legend Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who leads the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, an alliance of religious and political organizations struggling for Kashmir independence for decades against the Indian occupation hit out at Pak leadership after the ceasefire news. India’s BJP regime revoked the special status of Kashmir on Aug 5, 2019 that stripped it of its autonomous status and send additional hundreds of thousands of troops to join the already 500,000 stationed, to impose a complete curfew in the occupied valley. Geelani released a hard-hitting letter questioning Pakistan for carrying out back channel talks with India despite assurances that no engagement will be held with India until August 5 move is rolled back. He reminded Pakistani PM how he had gone back from earlier international stance that no dialogue with the aggressive neighbor can ever take place till they reinstate the special status.[2] The Kashmir Issue After British withdrawal in 1947 the South Asian region that comprises of modern-day Pakistan, India and Bangladesh was partitioned in to 2 nations: Hindu majority India and Muslim majority Pakistan. There were several princely states ruled by Nawabs or Rajas that could choose to be part of whoever they wished to, and Kashmir was one of them. But Kashmir's situation was a bit unique: the Raja was Hindu, but population was Muslim. Since the partition was done based on the logic that Muslim majority areas will become part of a new Muslim nation, Kashmir should have become part of Pakistan. Maharaja Hari Singh, British appointed Hindu Raja, did not follow the principle of allowing the majority to decide their own fate. Instead he handed over the region to Indian army after signing The Instrument of Accession, an illegal agreement, on 26 October 1947. The Pakistani Muslims attacked and wage an armed struggle to help Kashmiri brothers fight for independence. The United Nation passed a resolution that gave the Kashmiris the right to plebiscite which would allow them to either join Pakistan or India or become independent. Since such a move could result in India losing Kashmir. In 1949 India decided to give autonomy to the state allowing them to have their own parliament, own laws, own flag except that its foreign affairs be decided by New Delhi. Since 1949 till 2019, India failed to implement the UN resolution and continued to erode the given autonomy as well. It has also continued to reject every offer made by Pakistan to peacefully settle the dispute through UN resulting in 3 wars (1947, 1965 & 1999) over this matter. India now plans to change the demographics by resettling Hindus from other parts of India into Kashmir so in case of plebiscite the vote for independence fails.[3] The Saudi-UAE Factor Behind the Scenes For many it was difficult to grasp what caused this shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy towards Kashmir. The Saudi based Arab News in English in its latest interview with Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel Al-Jubeir, revealed that Saudi Arabia has been attempting to reduce tensions between India & Pakistan for last several months. It was right after Saudi revelation that UAE brokered back channel talks were reported by Al Jazeera few weeks after the Feb 24 ceasefire.[4] And so, it is the Saudi betrayal once again at play. Being custodian of the 2 holy mosques in Makkah & Madinah, the Saudis have failed to raise the Kashmir issue with India and demand their right to self-determination as given to them by the United Nations. Instead the Saudis have largely turned a blind eye towards Kashmir. Their only focus is pressuring Pakistan in reducing tensions with extremist India so their future economic agreements with India can be fulfilled. One should make it clear that Saudi Arabia have never dealt with Pakistan as an independent state like Turkey or China for instance. It considers Pakistan more of a client state, which it can pressure in to accepting their demands. It was the Saudis that pressured Pakistan to quit the Kuala Lumpur Summit where likeminded Muslim countries were gathering to discuss severe issues impacting Muslims such as refugee crises, regional conflicts and Islamophobia, which have been largely ignored by the Saudi & UAE dominated Organization of Islamic Conference, created for the exact same purpose.[5] It was the Saudis & UAE that threatened to withdraw their financial support in difficult times when Pakistan expressed concern about Saudi’s criminal silence over Kashmir.[6] It was Saudis along with UAE that pressured Pakistan in to joining their brutal and illegal war in Yemen which Pakistan did not do so directly but agreed to send its former army chief Raheel Shareef who now leads the pro Saudi Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition, also dubbed “Islamic NATO”, is involved in the Yemen conflict and committed to fight “terrorism”.[7] Additionally, the Saudi-UAE ceasefire efforts may have more to the picture. The primary concern for new Biden US Administration is China whom US plans to counter with help from its allies including India. This ceasefire will provide some breathing space for Indian military from one side so it can focus on the other. This is obviously in addition to giving breathing space to Pakistan so it can help US in Afghanistan as May 1 deadline for international troop withdrawal looms large. Will Pakistan Benefit from its Abrupt Policy Shift towards India? It is said that one does not hand a rose when the enemy is sharpening their swords. India has committed too many crimes against Pakistan and its people since its existence in 1947. The post-independence exodus of Muslims that traveled across the border to reach present day Pakistan were put to sword in the thousands, men, women and children by Hindu & Sikh mobs. The Indian attempts to breakup Pakistan such as their support for Abdul Ghaffar Khan to separate the NWFP (now Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) province, the Baloch insurgency which continues to terrorize Balochistan and has led to killings of thousands of civilians, the covert support for MQM in Karachi which has kept the city hostage for years with its terrorism. The Indian support for installed Kabul government during Soviet era and American invasion, collaboration with Afghan intelligence leading to a wave of bombings and terrorism throughout Pakistan for past 3 decades costing lives of more than hundred thousand people: civilians and security officials.[8] The continued occupation of Kashmir and the killings of more than hundred thousand Muslims throughout the valley.[9] The recent exposed largest network of NGOs and fake media organisations linked to India that for more than a decade have been engaged in anti-Pakistan propaganda. Hundreds of fake media outlets, long-dead organisations and stolen identities were used to paint Pakistan in a negative light in the international world.[10] As Pakistan extends a handshake of peace, India ranks as second among the top 10 arms importing nations in the world, accounting for 9.5% of global arms imports.[11] For obvious reasons this arming to the teeth is not for peaceful purposes. But the real question is why India acts this way? The answer for Pakistan lies in the Quran where Allah ﷻ has already warned Muslims when political & military power is in the hands of Jews such as Israel and Idol Worshipers such as India then they will be the most violent: (Al Quran 5:82) "Certainly you will find the most violent of people in enmity for those who believe (to be) the Jews and those who are Idol Worshipers…” – Under the current BJP's rule India's rating has gone worst with several global democracy and human rights watchdogs reporting pressure on human rights groups, intimidation of journalists and a spate of attacks, especially against Muslims.[12] The violent hatred carried by India against Muslims in general and Pakistan in particular, has been crystal clear in terms of history, international relations and according to religious truths. The best example for Pakistan is Azerbaijan who fought and relieved its lands from illegal Armenian occupation. Azerbaijan decided to act after 30 years of useless negotiations. And so Pakistan needs to rethink new foreign policy with India, not fall for the American backed Saudi-UAE deception and avoid blunders that may cost its existence. References: [1] Time to bury the past and move forward: COAS Bajwa on Indo-Pak ties, Dawn News, Published March 18, 2021 https://www.dawn.com/news/1613200/time-to-bury-the-past-and-move-forward-coas-bajwa-on-indo-pak-ties 1 [2] Geelani Invites Pak Snub For Questioning Truce, Observer News Service | March 1, 2021 https://kashmirobserver.net/2021/03/01/geelani-invites-pak-snub-for-questioning-truce/ [3] Timeline: India-Pakistan relations, Al Jazeera News, By Asad Hashim 1 Mar 2019 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/3/1/timeline-india-pakistan-relations [4] UAE brokering secret India-Pakistan peace roadmap: Officials, Al Jazeera News, By Sudhi Ranjan Sen Bloomberg, 22 Mar 2021 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/22/bb-uae-brokering-secret-india-pakistan-peace-roadmap [5] PM regrets missing KL Summit over others' misconception 'it would divide ummah', Dawn.com Published February 4, 2020 https://www.dawn.com/news/1532420 [6] Pakistan returns $1 billion of Saudi Arabia's soft loan, officials say, Reuters Published December 16, 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1596109/pakistan-returns-1-billion-of-saudi-arabias-soft-loan-officials-say https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/the-staggering-scale-of-india-s-anti-pakistan-propaganda-machine-42241 [7] Decoded : Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition, TRT World, https://www.trtworld.com/video/social-videos/decoded-islamic-military-counter-terrorism-coalition/604604d99b3f5c001153fe37 [8] Pakistan gives UN a dossier on India, New Delhi dubs it ‘lies’, Al Jazeera, 25 Nov 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/25/pakistan-gives-un-a-dossier-on-india-new-delhi-dubs-it-lies [9] 40,000 people killed in Kashmir: India - Rights groups in Kashmir say toll could be close to 100,000 from revolt which began in late 1989, Afp August 10, 2011, https://tribune.com.pk/story/228506/40000-people-killed-in-kashmir-india [10] The staggering scale of India’s anti-Pakistan propaganda machine, TRT World, 10 Dec, 2020 https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/the-staggering-scale-of-india-s-anti-pakistan-propaganda-machine-42241 [11] Pakistan ranks 10th among largest importers of major arms globally: report, Reuters | Dawn.com, Published March 15, 2021 https://www.dawn.com/news/1612678/pakistan-ranks-10th-among-largest-importers-of-major-arms-globally-report [12] 'Electoral autocracy': The downgrading of India's democracy, BBC News, Soutik Biswas, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56393944 European Union's 27 nation bloc remains divided between far right members and the liberal leftists on managing the European Migrant Crisis that began in 2014. The European Migrant Crisis is actually a Middle Eastern and African migrant crisis, because asylum seekers are primarily from conflict ridden areas of Africa & Middle East. As per 2015 UN report,[1] when the crisis was at its peak the top 3 nationalities of asylum seekers hailed from Syria, Iraq & Afghanistan, while remaining belong to other countries like Libya, Somalia, Yemen and African countries impacted by wars that are legacies of several years of direct and indirect Western military and political interventions. Despite Western countries having most economic and political power and influence in the world they have failed to manage a crisis of thousands of refugees. Why is that? Shada Islam, a Brussel based commentator on EU affairs says that the main obstacles in solving the migrant crisis dividing the the union are in fact pride and prejudice, anti-Muslim sentiment, racism ripe among EU's members, including their post colonial relationship with African and Eastern countries. She claims that such obstacles conflict with Europe's claim of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The lack of moral leadership in EU is what prevents it from unanimous agreement in resolution of this crisis.[2] While Western leaders struggles to cope with African and Muslim migrants due to an inherent racism crisis of its own, there is an opportunity for them to learn from a similar crisis that their continent experienced a couple of times in the modern history. But during those crisis the host territory was not a Western state and the asylum seekers were also not from Middle East or Africa. In fact during those crisis the host was Ottoman Islamic empire and the refugees were white, non-Muslim Europeans, seeking asylum in its territory. The facilitation provided by an Ottoman Sultan to these white refugees during their asylum is certainly an important historical lesson that today's West can learn from. During the 1848 revolutions of Europe, thousands of Polish and Hungarian refugees sought refuge in Ottoman Empire. In the aftermath of war between the Hungarian revolutionaries and the Austrian King backed by Russia, the Hungarians were defeated and many fled to seek refuge in the Ottoman territories which culminated in to a refugee crisis in Ottoman empire. Russia insisted that the Ottomans hand over the refugees and threatened the Sublime Porte (Ottoman Caliphate) by war. Despite such international pressure Resid Pasha, a renown Ottoman stateman of the time, declined to expel the refugees from the empire and his determination even received appreciation from Britain and France.[3] A few years before the Hungarian uprising, an earlier wave of Polish refugees arrived in the Ottoman Empire, after the failed Polish uprising against Russian rule of 1830–31. Paulina Dominik's review of Polish migrants[4] in to Ottoman territory informs us of a settlement for Polish refugees named Adampol existed in the Empire, named after its founder, Prince Adam Czartoryski, a Polish diplomat and statesman. The village was also referred to by its popular Turkish name Polonezköy (Polish village). In fact after the Crimean War (1853 - 1856), Poles were the most numerously represented group of Europeans in Istanbul— after the French and the Italians. Polish memoirs bear witness to how much freedom their community enjoyed in the Ottoman land. General Marian Langiewicz (1827–1887), himself a Polish refugee states in one of his letters to a friend in London: “Here in Turkey we enjoy the greatest freedom that a political emigrant can have and at the same time we have access to everything. We are valued here as useful and superior beings.” It is said that the Poles were active in almost all social life of the Ottoman society. They served in the profession of engineers, doctors, businessmen, soldiers etc. The Poles even enjoyed gatherings in cafes and clubs to discuss their current political situation, where their fellow Poles gave lectures on a variety of topics and read out Polish patriotic poetry, without having any fear of discrimination towards them by local Turk and Muslim populace. During 18th century, Europeans escaping religious persecutions also sought refuge in the Ottoman territory. When Peter the Great, Russian Tsar, enforced religious reforms throughout the Russian empire, a strong opposition from the conservative and practicing Christians led towards the Bulavin Rebellion. One of the reforms was the shaving of beards resisted by thousands of practicing Cossacks who ended up finding asylum in Ottoman empire and were settled in Balıkesir's district of Manyas and 2 other districts. Following the 19th century Bolshevik Revolution, the Tsarist supporters lost their battles against the Bolsheviks, thousands of white Russian emigrants sailed in 126 ships to settle in Turkish territory. [5] Not only do we find Ottoman's welcoming European refugees with open arms in the 19th & 18th century, in fact the empire was famous for hosting them even during its peak in early 15th century. In July 1492, the new state of Spain expelled its Jewish and Muslim populations as part of the Spanish Inquisition. Sultan Bayezid II sent out the Ottoman Navy under the command of admiral Kemal Reis to Spain in order to evacuate them safely to Ottoman lands. He sent out proclamations throughout the empire that the refugees were to be welcomed. He granted the refugees the permission to settle in the Ottoman Empire and become Ottoman citizens. He ridiculed the conduct of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile in expelling a class of people so useful to their subjects. "You venture to call Ferdinand a wise ruler," he said to his courtiers, "he who has impoverished his own country and enriched mine!"[6] Majority of these European Jewish migrants settled in Izmir, Istanbul, and Salonika. By the end of 16th century Salonika became known as "Jerusalem of the East", with several synagogues, well established businesses and Jews being the majority population.[7] With such historical references of migrant waves that made their way and settled in to the Ottoman empire we do not hear of of any refugees being victims of racism of any sort, be that from the general Muslim public, the Ottoman ruling class or the intelligentsia as commonly faced by African and Eastern refugees in today's Western countries. There is no record of attacks against those European refugees by individuals who follow Turkish supremacist ideologies as found active among the Whites in the Western Europe. We also do not hear of any Turkish organization, who also enjoys support and backing by members of the ruling or political class, whose ideology claims "all non-Turks should leave their lands". We do not hear of any Turk attackers going around committing hate crimes against individual Europeans or their Churches & Synagogues, to spread fear among them. We also do not find record of Ottoman print media of that time consistently and systematically spreading lies and disinformation among the general public that European refugees had some hidden extremist mindset among them which they need to be wary of. The Ottoman Sultan or his Statesmen never threatened a ban on refugees appearing at their borders similar to a Muslim ban recently applied by an Islamophobic US President, and neither did they ever ridicule the religious beliefs and practices of these asylum seekers as is commonly done by narrow minded leaders of UK & France. Such negative trends are found very active in Western countries like Britain, France, Germany or Netherlands etc. and they tend to deliberately create mistrust between the general masses and the refugees. This sort of behavior adds to the problems already faced by these asylum seekers displaced thousands of miles away from their homes. Despite claiming to be champions of human rights, Western countries have failed to live up to their claims. Nevertheless as Europe's migrant crisis becomes unmanageable they can still learn from the history of a European power that gave protection to refugees and made them truly felt like this was their own home. References: [1] Data as per Operational Data Portal (ODP), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees http://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations [2] Europe's migration 'crisis' isn't about numbers. It's about prejudice, The Guardian, Thu 8 Oct 2020 08.55 EDT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/08/europe-migration-crisis-prejudice-eu-refugee-orban-christian [3] Encyclopedia of the OTTOMAN empire - Gabor Agoston Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Bruce Masters Wesleyan University, Connecticut [4] From the Polish Times of Pera, Late Ottoman Istanbul through the Lens of Polish emigration, Paulina Dominik, http://www.levantineheritage.com/pdf/From-the-Polish-Times-of-Pera-Late-Ottoman-Istanbul-Paulina-Dominik.pdf [5] The Ottoman Empire: A shelter for all kinds of refugees, BY Ekrem Bugra Ekinci, MAY 16, 2015, Daily Sabah https://www.dailysabah.com/feature/2015/05/16/the-ottoman-empire-a-shelter-for-all-kinds-of-refugees [6] Bayezid II https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayezid_II#cite_note-15 [7] Agoston & Masters, Encyclopedia of the OTTOMAN empire Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on 1st and 2nd Conquest of Constantinople Prophet Muhammad ﷺ predicted the conquest of Constantinople when Muslims hardly exercised any control over the Arabian Peninsula. In fact, at the time of this prophecy, the only place Prophet ﷺ and his companions controlled was a very small town called Yathrib (now Madinah). It wasn’t until 1453 CE when the fulfillment of this prophecy happened at the hands of Ottoman Turks. They were able to take it from the Romans who had ruled the city for over 1000 years. There are 2 ahadith (narrations) that give news of the conquest. Some Islamic scholars believe that the first is a reference to the 15th century Ottoman conquest, while 2nd one will happen in near future: First Conquest – This conquest happened at the hands of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed Fatih II: Abdullah (r.a) said, “While we were (gathered) around the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and we were writing, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked: ‘Which city will be conquered first - Constantinople or Rome?’ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘The city of Hiraql (Heraclius) will be conquered first’ - i.e. Constantinople."'[1] – The Prophet’s reference to it as “the city of Hiraql” i.e. 7th century Roman Emperor, implies its Byzantine control, which came to an end with the conquest in 1453 CE. Second Conquest – The Second Conquest has yet to take place and will be in the future, when the last hour approaches. The reason why 2nd conquest is connected to the last hour because other signs mentioned in the narration are signs of the last hour such as “the great war”, “dajjal” “flourishing of Jerusalem”, that are either in process or will happen in future. For instance, “flourishing of Jerusalem” may be in process as several Arab states like Jordan, Egypt, and recently Bahrain, UAE, Sudan, and obviously behind the scenes Saudi Arabia, have accepted Israel’s illegal sovereignty over Palestine.[2] Israel has unilaterally declared Jerusalem, a disputed territory, to be its new capital and USA has even moved their embassy to the city, and so have other countries. The following few important narrations pertain to the second conquest, which can help us analyze how this might occur: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The flourishing state of Jerusalem will be when Yathrib (Madinah) is in ruins, the ruined state of Yathrib will be when the great war comes, the outbreak of the great war will be at the conquest of Constantinople and the conquest of Constantinople when the Dajjal (Antichrist) comes forth….”[3] One of the Prophet’s companion Anas bin Malik (r.a) said: "Constantinople will be conquered with the coming of the Hour."[4] The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There will be a treaty between you and Banu Asfar (The Romans), but they will betray you and will march against you with eighty banners, under each of which there will be twelve thousand troops.”[5] Likewise, in another narration the Prophet ﷺ said “The Romans will enter into a peace treaty with you, then you and they will fight another (force) as enemies, and you will be victorious…. Then the Romans will prove treacherous (breaking the treaty) (and will gather) for the fierce battle.”[6] Another Prophet’s companion Jabir (r.a) said: "Dajjal will not appear until you have fought the Romans."[7] These narrations teach us few significant points: Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine will gradually be accepted by more regional states thus making it stronger politically and economically. Secondly, “Yathrib (Madinah) will be in ruins” most likely implies to a civil war in Saudi Arabia as a result of harmful policies of its ignorant and arrogant kings. The plunge in global oil prices due to Coronavirus pandemic is already taking its toll on Saudi economy, the significant cut in hajj & umrah travelers, its involvement and failure in Yemen war coupled with local dissent and political tussle between royal family members, a civil war may be on the horizon. Out of this chaos, and the civil wars in Iraq, Syria, and adjoining Muslim lands, will come out a strong political force of Muslims that will make an alliance with Romans, who at that time will be in control of Constantinople (Istanbul) i.e. Turkey. Together they will fight a third enemy, probably an adversary in the Muslim world. Some traditions collected in the books considered weaker in hadith category like Al Fitan by Nuaym Ibn Hammad, identify this adversary as “Sufiyani” and his army. But after that fight is over and righteous Muslim gains strength, Romans will decide to fight them which will result in the Great War and 2nd Conquest of Constantinople. This 2nd conquest of the city by a Muslim army can only be imagined against 2 possibilities: First, if the city was taken back by Romans from the Muslims, after the first conquest (1453 CE), via a military attack and then remains under complete control of Roman authorities. Second possibility is if the Muslim control over the city is replaced, through a coup, with an extremely pro Roman govt turning Turkey in to a client state with no independent policy of its own whatsoever. Both cases would be considered a loss of Muslim control. Who are the Romans? At this point, a question arises in our minds “Roman empire ended almost 600 years ago, then who are these Romans?” Romans are the modern European nations. The Prophet ﷺ himself identified Al Rum (Arabic) or “Romans” to Europeans when he said: "Sam was the father of Arabs, Ham the father of the Ethiopians, and Yafith the father of the Romans."[8] Yafith or Japheth, as pronounced in the Bible, and his descendants settled in the European lands as is found recorded throughout the history in Biblical, Arabic and Near Eastern traditions. Several modern European powers considered themselves to be the right successors of the Roman Empire such as Russia, United States and recently even countries like France and its allies. After 16th century when Russia emerged as a political power it considered itself as legitimate successors of Roman Empire, declaring themselves “third Rome” and the prime protector of the Orthodox Christians and other neighboring Christians against Ottomans and Persians. Modern Russia’s foreign policy in many ways is a continuation of that main objective. The founding fathers of the United States of America were also inspired by Roman empire in many ways like The Eagle is the symbol of both, and Latin Roman inscriptions can be found on all 13 original states’ seals, as well as the Great Seal of the United States: Annuit coeptis (“He approves of the undertaking”) and Novus ordo Seclorum (“A new order of the ages’) adapted from a poem written by a Roman writer in the first century B.C. Recently France declared its organized efforts to counter Turkey’s influence in the Mediterranean sea as “Pax Mediterranea” in a joint statement with leaders of Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Greece and Cyprus. It was a reference to the Pax Romana or “Roman Peace” in the Mediterranean region during Roman era, which France with its partners sees themselves forming once again. Turkey’s Transition from Secularism to Islamic Revival Currently a Turkish Muslim government has complete authority over Constantinople (Istanbul) and the country, and one can say it has been this way since the first conquest in 1453 CE, except for the temporary period when it came into the hands of the Europeans after World War 1. After the abolishment of the Ottoman Caliphate, Turkey became a secular republic but remained independent in its governance and policies. After World War 2, Turkey decided to become a member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), a military alliance formed to counter USSR. A Secular Turkey adopted an extreme position against any sort of public display and expression of Islam. The secular reforms, enforced by Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkey, was to such extreme that if any person was found reciting Quran in public would be arrested. Muslim women were banned from wearing Hijab in education and government institutions, sufi lodges were banned, religious students were discriminated against and even Adhaan (call to 5 times prayers) in Arabic was banned. When AKP, the Islamic party of Turkey came into power through a victory in the 2002 elections, a reversal of all anti-Islamic policies became effective. Islam became increasingly tolerated in the public sphere. The 21st century Turkey, under AKP government and its leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is particularly keen to revive its Islamic culture and traditions like Ottoman period. One of the major reversals of all was converting Hagia Sophia back to a masjid, earlier declared as a museum by Ataturk. For this action Turkey received condemnation from all sides of Europe. Being a member of NATO, an alliance of Western European countries, many of whom are known for colonizing the Muslim world, and are presently fighting their individual, and in some places collective “war on terror” primarily aimed at Islam and Muslims, makes it evident that if not today, surely tomorrow, will not tolerate Turkey’s latest ambitions. Turkey, under Erdogan, is also busy promoting Islamic culture and history within the country and throughout the Muslim world, through its extremely inspiring dramas series that are being watched in Muslim homes from Gaza all the way to Bangladesh, such as Magnificent Century, Dirilis Ertugrul, Kurulus Osman, Yunus Emre. Within just few years, they have quite successfully countered years of Hollywood, Bollywood and impact of similar industries, that depicts Muslims as “terrorists” and Islam as a threat, promote women nudity and exploitation, use of drugs and alcohol as fashionable, also organized crime, corruption, and similar vices. One can tell the impact of the Turkish Islamic series when French President Macron accused Turkey of being “regional imperial power” that has “historical fantasies”[9] while ignoring its own imperialism and colonial fantasies. India put a ban on these dramas within its own territory especially Muslim occupied Kashmir[10], and Saudi & Emiratis fearing about their youth being “brainwashed”, paid $40 million to have a non-Muslim British director come and produce a series that depicts Ottoman Turks as barbarous.[11] Apart from this, TRT World, Turkey based international news channel launched in 2015 under Erdogan, has become a voice for Muslims, vibrantly reporting on issues impacting Islam and Muslims, most importantly educating viewers on history topics, regional conflicts and Islamophobia in the West. In recent years TRT has been quite successful in covering issues unlike mainstream international media. Conflict of Turkish Foreign Policy with NATO & Russia The souring of Turkey’s relationship with some NATO members became evident since Turkey started pursuing a more independent foreign policy, being at extreme odds with the policies of the group’s members like USA, France, Greece, especially in regards to Syria, Libya, Egypt, Iraq and other parts of the Middle East. Recently Turkey has been at serious odds, and at times even military faceoff with some NATO members. After Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian war, Germany, USA and Netherlands deployed Patriot Missile System in 2013 at the country’s request in case of any aggression from Syria. In 2015 as Bashar Al Assad was about to be toppled by rebel groups, backed by Turkey, Qatar and others, Russia entered the war to prevent this from happening. The same year Turkey shot down a Russian bomber that entered its airspace. The Patriot Missile system deployed since 2013 were removed for servicing earlier in 2015, before the Russian incident. After the incident, for few years Turkey insisted to access the technology to build its own. When it noticed that NATO states were not interested in providing technology access to its own member, it decided to acquire S-400 missile system from the world’s 2nd largest weapons manufacturer and exporter, Russia. Meanwhile Turkey also adopted friendlier policy with Russia in many areas of Syrian conflict. This irked USA who immediately put a halt on its sale of F-35 to prevent Turkey from purchasing S-400. But Turkey went ahead despite warning from NATO member states, who feared that an S-400 will provide Russian access to NATO’s regional airspace. At this point it’s also important to mention that USA is a backer of Kurds in Syria who are allies of Kurds fighting an insurgency against Turkey since 1970s, causing deaths of thousands of Turks and Kurds.[12] Turkey continues to protest this American support of Kurds. Due to such points of conflict between US and Turkey, Mathew Bryza, former US ambassador to Turkey recently said in an interview on Al Jazeera that “the word Turkey has become toxic in Washington.” In fact, the new US President Joe Biden, prior to his election openly claimed to support Turkish opposition and Kurdish parties to help remove Erdogan’s government, if necessary.[13] Its important to note that Erdogans government successfully failed a 2016 coup attempt by supporters in military and government of exiled, and US based, Turkish scholar Fethullah Gulen. Turkey demanded extradition of Fethullah but US refused on the basis of not enough evidence of his involvement in the coup. With the discovery of new gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and exploration of that area by several regional states, Turkey found itself at odds with Greece, a NATO member, and also Egypt, backed by Saudi & Emiratis, both major opponents of Turkey in Middle East. Greece is a country that has several small islands that are close to Turkey’s coastline which overlaps their exclusive economic zone i.e. coastal area where they have exploration rights as per UN Law of the Sea 1985, signed by Greece and other countries but not Turkey. Due to this reason Turkey and Greece have been working for many years to come to an equitable agreement of sharing resources which is permitted for them to do as per same law. The situation became worst as France got involved. Currently French gas companies along with French military are assisting Greece in gas exploration, while Turkey’s naval forces are assisting its own exploration efforts. France deployed 2 fighter jets and naval frigate in support of Cyrpus and Greece against Turkey. Greece deployed its military on several of its islands bordering Turkey’s mainland and this all resulted in the East Mediterranean gas crises. This crisis also includes Turkey’s support for UN recognized Libyan GNA government and treaty with them to explore Libya’s offshore Mediterranean gas reserves which also overlap Greece’s exclusive economic zones near its several islands. As a reaction Greece signed deal with Egypt in the same water territory that prevents Turkey-Libya deal.[14] A view of the map of Greece’s islands near Turkish coastline will prove how unfair their claims of economic exclusive zone against Turkey is: Greek Claims in the Eastern Med - Map Greece condemned Turkey’s deal with Libya and so did France, who supports Libya’s opposition that controls Western part of the country ruled by army general Khalifa Haftar, a US citizen. Interesting to note that Russia and UAE too are strong backers of Khalifa Haftar, with Russia providing military support through a its private security firm called Wagner Group that has thousands of mercenaries fighting on ground.[15] These are assisting Haftar forces fight GNA forces backed by Turkish army personnel. Hence Turkey’s role in Libyan conflict and Mediterranean Sea is very important to keep in view. Additionally, Turkey has openly supported Azerbaijan, a Turk nation, in its ongoing war with Armenia, against its illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh region, which legally belongs to Azerbaijan. Russia, strong ally of Christian Armenia, has its military base and a defense pact with the country. France, with its Islamophobic president Macron, condemned Turkey’s role and its support for Azerbaijan and demanded that it stay neutral. With Azerbaijan gaining victory in Nagorno-Karabakh against Armenia 2 days ago, Turkey hailed it as a victory of its own because this will allow Turkey access to South Caucuses region, the Russian backyard. This is also where Turkey is at extreme odds with 2 European powers: France & Russia. Possible Outcome in Future Hence all this boils down to the following, if not as is, that Turkey’s independent foreign policy, which it has all the right to pursue like other countries, will gradually cause more friction with European powers, who will most likely take action in either one of the 2 ways: hardcore EU sanctions that France is already pushing for, and a coup de tat i.e. a foreign backed protests resulting in overthrowing of the Islam oriented government, appearing as a “revolution” in the mainstream international media. A secular regime similar to Ataturk’s will form the new government but will be extremely subservient to European interests. If that foreign backed drama failed, then we can expect a direct military takeover of the country in case of Turkey’s confrontation with a group of NATO members or may be even Russia. If that happens then that will be a major development towards the 2nd Conquest of Constantinople by a Muslim army, after it defeats an alliance of “Romans” in a great war. References: [1] Recorded in Musnad Ahmad and in Al Bidayah Wa Al Nihaya by Imam ibn Kathir - The Prophets Intimated That The Muslims Would Conquer Constantinople Before Rome - pg 71 [2] Sudan-Israel relations agreed, Donald Trump announces, BBC, Published 24 October https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54554286 [3] Sunan Abi Dawud 4294 - Sunnah.com [4]] Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2239 – Sunnah.com [5] Sunan Ibn Majah 4095 [6] Sunan Ibn Majah 4089 – Sunnah.com [7] Sunan Ibn Majah 4091 – Sunnah.com [8] Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 5, Book 44, Hadith 3231 – Sunnah.com [9] Macron's irrational actions and EU's indifference, BY BURHANETTIN DURAN, SEP 08, 2020 https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/columns/macrons-irrational-actions-and-eus-indifference [10] Kashmiris are dodging internet shutdown to watch Turkish ‘Game of Thrones’ to beat the blues, AZAAN JAVAID 12 December, 2019 - https://theprint.in/india/kashmiris-are-dodging-internet-shutdown-to-watch-turkish-game-of-thrones-to-beat-the-blues/333757/ [11] Egypt fatwa bans Ertugrul, Turkish soaps, Middle East Monitor February 12, 2020 at 2:02 pm https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200212-egypt-fatwa-bans-ertugrul-turkish-soaps/ - Saudi's MBC launching new drama series ‘exposing Ottoman tyranny’ https://ahvalnews.com/turkish-dramas/saudis-mbc-launching-new-drama-series-exposing-ottoman-tyranny [12] The Tale of Turkey and the Patriots, Jim Townsend and Rachel Ellehuus July 22, 2019 https://www.defensenews.com/home/2015/10/11/us-begins-removing-patriot-missiles-from-turkey/ [13] Resurfaced footage of Joe Biden's plans for Turkey receives backlash, TRT World https://www.trtworld.com/video/social-videos/resurfaced-footage-of-joe-bidens-plans-for-turkey-receives-backlash/5f395c483e5d6b001712669f [14] Solving the Eastern Mediterranean crisis requires compromise, Eastern Mediterranean Perspectives by Matthew Bryza, Atlantic Council, WED, SEP 23, 2020 - https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/turkeysource/solving-the-eastern-mediterranean-crisis-requires-compromise/ [15] Russian group’s 1,200 mercenaries fighting in Libya: UN report, Al Jazeera, 7 May 2020 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/07/russian-groups-1200-mercenaries-fighting-in-libya-un-report/?gb=true Current Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict The Armenian Soviet Socialist Republics and Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republics were Russian states within USSR. The present center of Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh which was an autonomous oblast (Russian for administrative unit) within the borders of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. After the Soviet Union disintegration Armenia and Azerbaijan were recognized as independent countries and Nagorno-Karabakh, legally became part of the Azerbaijan sovereign territory. Hence international law recognises Nagorno-Karabakh as Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory – and the presence of Armenian military forces as occupation. After the dissolution of USSR, Armenia attacked and occupied the region, like India occupied Kashmir after British withdrawal in 1947. Azerbaijan has the right, under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, to act in self-defence.[1] Interestingly the OSCE Minsk group, created in 1992 to resolve the conflict, co-chaired by US, Russia & France, has failed so far for the last 3 decades. Russia is a traditional ally of Armenians in this conflict, has a military base there and is a provider of weapons to them but also supplies weapons to Azerbaijan. As for France, with its Islamophobic President, has outrightly criticized Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan against illegal Armenian occupation. In order to understand the background of this conflict and why Russia backs Armenia and Turkey backs Azerbaijan, also a Turk nation, we need to delve into the history. Historical Relations Between Turks & Armenians The Armenians encountered the Muslim Turks when Seljuks defeated Byzantine Empire in 1071 CE in Battle of Malzikert, where Armenians fought alongside their Byzantine Lords. After the capture of their Kingdom by Seljuk Turks, one of the princes escaped to Cicilia, the Southern Anatolia (now Turkey) and established their Kingdom of Cicilia which became a strong ally of the European Crusaders. Under the Ottomans, the Armenians lived peacefully with the Turks for several centuries. After conquest of Istanbul (Constantinople) in the 15th century, Mehmed Al Fatih (r. 1444–46; 1451–81) established the office of the Patriarch for the Armenian Apostolic Church, the traditional church of the Armenians. The men holding that office asserted their spiritual authority over all the Armenians living in the empire. The Armenian Patriarch was authorized to manage internal working of their community such as administering the schools, clergy, family law, and even taxes for them. Under Ottomans they enjoyed the status of a Millet i.e. Religious Community, which gave them a sense of shared identity as it linked them with all Armenians living under the empire. The Armenian merchants thrived in 17th and 18th centuries and established communities in most of the cities of the Middle East and in places as far away as India, East Asia, and Europe. A large majority of the Armenians lived as peasant farmers in the mountain valleys of the eastern Ottoman Anatolia (modern Turkey) and in the western part of Safavid Empire in Iran. The Armenians lived in harmony with the Turks till the end of 18th century, when the Great power of Europe - France, Britain, Russia, Austria, began challenging the Ottoman Sovereignty.[2] Armenian Resettlement - Russian Geopolitical Strategy In the 16th century Russia emerged as a political power and one of their imperial ambitions was to control the Caucuses. As a result of two wars with Persia (1804-1813, 1826-1828) and one with the Ottomans (1828-1829) Russia conquered the territory of South Caucasus which includes modern day Azerbaijan (then a Turkic Muslim Khanate). To maintain their control over the conquered territories, a project for resettlement of Christian communities was decided. The project came in to full swing with the aim to reduce and counterbalance the high Muslim population, whose loyalty as a conquered people will always be more with Caliph in Istanbul or the Persian Rulers rather than St. Petersburg. Thousands of Armenian families, settled in Ottoman and Persian empires, were brought in, with mediation of Russian Armenian and Orthodox Churches, through incentives and with high hopes of an independent state. An Armenian Oblast (state) was created in modern Armenia with its current capital at Yerevan. In the Russo-Ottoman war of 1828, thousands of Ottoman Armenians fought alongside Russia against their own state with the hope of having their own in the Russian occupied Ottoman territories. However, after the Treaty of Edirne (also called Treaty of Adrianople), this remained unfulfilled after Russia withdrew under the condition that Ottomans would allow Armenian resettlement to South Caucasus, hence Russia continued working on its own demographic change plan.[3] The Tanzimat Era In order to be at par with the European impact, the Ottomans decided to introduce reforms in the 18th century called Tanzimat i.e. based on European model that would modernize the empire. In Ottoman history, the Tanzimat period refers to a time of Westernizing reforms from 1839 until 1876. It was a movement toward a European-style governing structure through the establishment of councils and ministries. The era was divided in to two periods: First Tanzimat period (1839–56) and the Second Tanzimat period (1856–76). Both were undertaken during the rule of Sultan Abdul Majid (r. 1839–61), strong advocate of European system and lifestyle. The reforms granted equality before the law to all Ottoman subjects regardless of religion or ethnicity giving extraordinary privileges to non-Muslims. Many of the reforms happened under significant political and diplomatic pressure of European powers. Somehow the ruling Ottoman circle started to believe that modernization through Western norms was the only viable model for success in the 19th century.[4] But it is also true that a major aim of these reforms must have been to maintain loyalty of the millions of Christian subjects of the empire, who were being exploited by Great powers for geopolitical reasons. Rise of Armenian Nationalism In the late 18th century Armenians took advantage of the new imperial regulations governing millets (non-Muslim religious communities) in the Tanzimat period and introduced a national constitution for the Armenians in 1863. The constitution provided that the Armenian Patriarch was the chief executive of the millet but that he was to be elected by a general assembly, composed of both laymen and clergy. Armenian merchants and bankers, known as amiras, began to use their wealth to buy influence among Ottoman officials to place those sympathetic to their interests in the post of Armenian Patriarch. Further limiting his powers, the assembly could impeach the patriarch. The constitution also separated the spiritual affairs of the community from the temporal matters.[5] Such reforms gradually minimized the patriarch’s influence over the Armenians, who held a special relationship with Ottoman rulership on behalf of the community for past 400 years. A nationalist and radical leadership became more influential among Armenians that gradually increased the wedge between Armenians & Ottomans which eventually led towards Armenian rebellions and bloodshed between their community and the Ottoman State. Some historians have seen this trend in local governance (initiated by Tanzimat Reforms) among the various religious communities including Armenians as contributing to the rise of nationalist sentiments. The children of the Armenians began educating separately from Muslims and primarily in the language of their community. They rejected Arabic and Turkish which their parents and ancestors spoke. They were also taught the separate history of their community and its culture. It is this separate education that many believe inspired the millets to see themselves as separate peoples. The Hunchak & Dashnaks - The Nationalists Extremist Organizations Justin A. McCarthy, an American demographer, professor of history at the University of Louisville, and an expert of late Ottoman History, says that the Turks and the Armenians have lived together for 800 years, with Armenians being Ottoman subjects for 400 years, and should never have become enemies to each other as they are today. His historical analysis is very important to keep in view, especially to comprehend the current regional conflict in the Caucasus between Armenia (military ally of Russia) and Azerbaijan (a Turkish nation and ally of Turkey). In 1876, Russia invaded the empire with the specific goal of seizing the six provinces or “Six Vilayets” in the Eastern Anatolia of Ottoman Empire, where majority Armenians were concentrated. The six vilayets were Van, Erzurum, Mamuretülaziz, Bitlis, Diyarbekir and Sivas. 17% of their population was Armenian but majority 78% was still Muslims. After their failure to capture the Eastern Anatolian territory resulted in the Treaty of 1878, which raised the “Armenian Question” i.e. Russians and other European powers, Britain & France, demanding increased autonomy or independence for Armenians. McCarthy informs that it was not until the Russian Armenians began exporting their Marxist inspired nationalist ideology to local Christian Armenians of Eastern Anatolia that resulted in their armed struggle and militancy against the Ottoman state. The political and militant support for this nationalist mindset came from 2 parties, namely the Hunchakian Revolutionary Party, called the Hunchaks, founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1887 by Russian Armenian students. The second was the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, called the Dashnaks, founded in Tiflis, Russian Empire, in 1890. Both parties carried the ambition to carve the six provinces out of Eastern Anatolia for their future Armenian state. These groups saw their opportunity after Ottomans lost Serbia, Bosnia, Romania, Greece, and Bulgaria because of European interventions. Hijacking Ottoman Armenians by Assassinations & Threats However, the majority Armenians were not in favor of any radical ideology and did not wish the breakup of Ottoman empire, they wanted to continue living in the empire but with increased political autonomy and participation. Hence the only way to finally destroy the traditional loyalty of the Armenians to the Istanbul based Apostolic Church and the Ottoman State was to somehow bring the clergy and the influential merchant class under their control, which doing so would allow to spread their ideology among the community. To achieve their ambition, they committed assassinations of the influential clergy and merchants, and spread terror into their hearts that forced them into acceptance of their radical thought. Assassinations of famous merchants such as Bedros Kapamaciyan, the Mayor of Van, Armarak, the kaymakam of Gevash, Isahag Zhamharian, and others. The assassinations of Church leaders and clergy such as Armenian bishop of Van, Boghos, the attempt on Armenian Patriarch in Istanbul, Malachia Ormanian, and murder of Arsen, the priest of Akhtamar Church in Van, by Ishkhan, a Dashnak terrorist. This was in addition to the murders of loyal and brave Armenian police officers, one Armenian Chief of Police and Armenian advisors to the government. The aim of these revolutionaries was to turn the peaceful and co-existing Ottoman Armenians into rebels and this could only be achieved by committing terrorist activities against the state which would cause authorities to crack down on Armenians. The Ottoman reaction to Armenian provocations were reported by European newspaper as oppression against their subjects. The propaganda caused the European consuls to intervene on behalf of the arrested Armenian rebels and demand pardons from the Ottoman state. Such as pardoning killers of Sultan Abdul Hamid, the rebels of Zeytun, the Dashnak rebels that occupied Ottoman Bank, the Russian consul pressure to stop trial of Dashnak rebels etc.[6] Armenian Rebellions Before World War I This radical mindset that spread among the Ottoman Armenians became the key for Russia during World War 1 to defeat Ottomans in the East Anatolia, where majority of Armenians were concentrated. As per unbiased historians, the war broke out in April 1915 but the Armenians were already planning several months before to desert the Ottomans in case of their defeat from Russia and also assist Russians in their attacks, which happened as planned. A massive armed rebellion was started long before the war broke out. Guerilla attacks of Dashnaks against Ottomans were taking place throughout the Eastern Anatolia, during 1914. It was after a series of attacks and rebellions and killing of hundreds of innocent Turk and Kurd Muslims, an Armenian effort to ethnically cleanse local Muslims from their territories. All of this paved the way for successful Russian invasion of East Anatolia in 1917. As a result, Ottomans ordered the deportation of Armenians (May 26-30, 1915) to Southern Anatolia or other parts of the empire. The Armenians claim that these deportations were a plan to commit Armenian genocide that led to deaths of 1.5 million Armenians, which has also been compared by some in the West and media with Jewish holocaust. This, however, is disputed as per Turkey, whose archive information claims that a total of 3 million people died between 1912 – 1922 which included Jews, Turks, Kurds and an estimated 300,000 – 600,000 Armenians. With the expansion of Russia into Crimea, Caucuses and Balkans, and loss of former Ottoman territories, resulted in persecution, displacement and eventual death of hundreds of thousands of Muslims from those territories, which is widely ignored when Armenian deaths during the same period are mentioned.[7] Historian Analysis on Armenian Deaths Renown author and Historian Bernard Lewis denies the Armenian genocide claim and says that there is no authentic evidence that proves that Ottomans pre-planned a systematic genocide. He does, however, accept that Turks adopted ferocious methods to repel the terrorist attacks of the Armenian revolutionaries which led towards deaths of thousands at the hands of irregular Ottoman forces, local Turks and Kurdish villagers. But this was all a retaliation to the stab in back by Armenians for past several years and their collaboration with Russians. He claims that it would be absurd to compare Armenian deaths with Jewish holocaust because the Jews never committed a rebellion backed by foreign powers, against Nazi Germany yet majority of them were not spared. While Armenians in other parts of the empire where there were no rebellions were spared, the ones serving in the Ottoman state and forces were spared, and not all deportees were killed, many were spared. These exemptions did not occur in Jewish holocaust.[8] Another renown British historian Norman Stone, states that Armenians in Izmir, Istanbul, Aleppo were spared is a major evidence against so called Armenian genocide. Many Armenian deaths were also due to starvation, diseases, poor weather conditions during deportations. Stone also claims that its well documented that many Armenians lost their lives at the hands of the Ottoman officers in charge of deportation, but not to forget that the Turks themselves tried more than 1,300 men for the crimes in 1916, convicted many and executed several. Hence, none of this squares with systematic genocide theory.[9] The main question would be, how many Russians and Armenians who killed Turks and Muslims were tried and convicted? None! After lower house of the French parliament, passed a law defining the denial of an Armenian genocide as a crime, the lower house of the German parliament in 2016 also approved a non-binding resolution recognizing Armenian claims of "genocide". President Erdogan invited European politicians and international community, to jointly open the archives to settle the question about Armenian killings during 1915. "If available, you can also open your archives. Come and let us make a decision." Ankara has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission of historians from Turkey and Armenia along with international experts to tackle the issue. It is an unfortunate reality that the Turkish Government has never received a positive response for all those invitations. It is because of this lack of response to Turkish proposals that Erdogan added "I know in my heart that the main point is not Armenians. They are just being manipulated. The Armenian issue is just blackmail against Turkey around the world. I want to let the world know: like it or not, we will never accept the 'genocide' accusation,"[10] References: [1] What is behind the Nagorno-Karabakh flare-up? And how can it be resolved? Al Jazeera News, Opinion, Robert M Cutler, 19 Oct 2020 https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2020/10/19/what-is-behind-the-nagorno-karabakh-flare-up/ [2] Encyclopedia of The Ottoman Empire, Gabor Agoston and Bruce Masters, Armenia, pg. 51, Armenian Apostolic Church, pg. 53 [3] THE RUSSIAN-SOVIET RESETTLEMENT POLICIES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR ETHNO-TERRITORIAL CONFLICTS IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS, By Farid Shafiyev, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario - https://curve.carleton.ca/system/files/etd/6f8fbd09-0bcb-4428-859e-42138ed25844/etd_pdf/cca6fb951143a6d272e32959b6d0a049/shafiyev-therussiansovietresettlementpoliciesandtheir.pdf [4] Agoston & Masters, Tanzimat pg. 553 [5] Agoston & Masters, Armenian Apostolic Church pg. 54 [6] Armenian-Turkish Conflict, Speech given by Dr. Justin McCarthy at the Turkish Grand National Assembly March 24, 2005 http://homepages.cae.wisc.edu/~dwilson/Armenia/justin.html [7] What happened in 1915 in eastern Anatolia? TRT World, Nov 9, 2019, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oGXENYEztM [8] Summary Rebuttal of the Armenian Genocide Claim, National Press Club in Washington, DC 3/25/2002, C-SPAN, Bernard Lewis, Cleveland E. Dodge Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University. https://armenians-1915.blogspot.com/2007/08/1900-video-prof-bernard-lewis-no.html [9] Historian Norman Stone in the Chicago Tribune, Number 27 |October 17, 2007 "ARMENIAN STORY HAS ANOTHER SIDE" https://www.tc-america.org/issues-information/tca-issue-papers/armenian-story-has-another-side-301.htm [10] Armenian issue exploited to blackmail Turkey, President Erdogan says, Daily Sabah, Istanbul, June 4, 2016, https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2016/06/04/armenian-issue-exploited-to-blackmail-turkey-president-erdogan-says In the latest speech the current French President Emmanuel Macron claims “Islam is a religion that is in crisis all over the world today, we are not just seeing this in our country."[1] He vows to help this religion by building an “Islam of Enlightenment” because apparently the current Islam threatens the secularism and its values that are the fabric of the French society. “Enlightenment” is a reference to Enlightenment Period of Europe’s modern history whence began the separation of Church & State. The French President’s speech in which he claims to “reorganize Islam” and fight “radical Islam” is not something new coming out of France. Since Colonial era there has existed a trend among French regimes to target Islam and Muslims. 1. The first question, however would be that, is France’s past and present regimes really secular as they claimed to be, or is it more of a love and hate relationship between Secularism and Religion for political benefits? 2. The second question, is Islam really in crises as stated by a non-Muslim, secular, French President, or is it another anti-Islamic attempt like those from Colonial era for political gains or to hide its own failures? Secularism In Disguise To answer the first question, in August 2001, the Taliban government of Afghanistan arrested some “relief workers” and among their “relief supplies” were thousands of CDs, videos, audiotapes, and Bibles in local Dari and Farsi languages. These missionaries broke the law that prohibited exploiting the sufferings of the people and evangelizing in the name of aid work. In addition to that they claimed that the literature was for their personal use, despite none of them spoke Dari or Farsi. The Taliban put them under trial in the court of law. Among the governments that rushed to the aid of these missionaries (“aid workers” as dubbed by the Western media) were Germany, Australia, US & “fiercely & rigidly” secular French government. This despite the fact that none of the missionaries were French![2] What's more important to note is that French President’s so called efforts to save secular values and strengthen separatism (i.e. separation of church & state) lie exposed in France’s education system. Virtually all schools in France are not state schools i.e. secular, a misconception that may be found among those reading and those outside of France. Over 80% of school pupils are in state schools, but a substantial (and growing) minority of almost 20% attend private schools - far more, for instance, than in the United Kingdom or the USA. These private schools are essentially (about 90%) catholic schools, in which there is religious instruction in the curriculum, they get to select their own teachers and they are highly subsidized by the French Government.[3] It seems like there is a backdoor French policy towards other religions like Catholicism which is why they are not “in crises” but for some reason Islam is. The Hijab Ban This biased attitude towards Islam is because practicing Muslims are not willing to compromise their beliefs as good colonial subjects. For Muslims Allah ﷻ and His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ comes first, and this can be observed by the fact that religious symbols such as Christian crosses & Jewish skull caps were never a threat to the French secular society until Islamic hijab came in to the scene. The French society, heavily influenced by media propaganda, views the hijab and the veil as a symbol of oppression against women. Public opinion polls indicated about 70 percent of the French were in favor of the hijab ban. Hence it was not difficult for French parliament to pass the law, with overwhelming majority (494 votes in favor & 36 opposing) in banning religious symbols such as Christian crosses, Jewish caps and hijab from government and education institutions.[4] Its important to note that prior to this ban, the subject of heated debate in France and broadly throughout Western Europe was mainly hijab and veil as opposed to symbols of other religions. Even after the ban the mainstream European media kept public focus by reporting on the topic as “A law banning Islamic headscarves and other religious symbols”.[5] Everything else was considered as “other religious symbols” because Jewish and Christian reaction to the law was non-existent, crosses are not obligatory in Christianity and there were no protests over Jewish cap ban, but hijab (and veil) obligatory in Islam. Muslims filed cases, protested and expressed concern in whatever way possible against this breach of basic right of religious freedom (violating Article 1 of French constitution that demands respect for al faiths). These protests caused further backlashes and ignited debates from different segments of French society, arguing that somehow a piece of cloth is against French values. The French Islamophobia The French Colonial studies expert, Neil MacMaster claims that the roots of Islamophobia in France go back to World War 1 time when Algerians, Moroccans, were allowed to travel to France as subjects because their lands were French colonies. Their presence on French soil was already being used by media propaganda to generate fear in to hearts and minds of French public. The media portrayed these North African Muslims as primitive savages, rapists, criminals, transmitters of venereal disease & tuberculosis.[6] After occupation of Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco for almost hundred years (1830 - 1962) and killing millions, the French were finally defeated in the War of Independence (1954 - 1962).[7] They decided to withdraw from North Arica but sowed the seeds of large scale immigration from Algeria considered necessary at that time because France badly needed manpower for rebuilding the country after World War 2. In 1970s and 1980s these immigrants began to bring their families and as they settled they demanded basic rights to create Islamic spaces for their communities such as masajids, schools, cemeteries, halal food, time and space for prayer, etc. As they did the campaign of demonizing them increased in the French society. For instance in 1981 - 1982 an anonymous forged letter was widely circulated in Dreux where the extremist National Front would score a decisive victory a year later. The forged letter was supposedly written by an Algerian to a friend in Algeria: “My Dear Mustapha. By the grace of the all-powerful Allah we have become lords and masters of Paris…Come quickly, we expect you in large numbers, since Mitterand has promised that we shall soon get the right to vote. We kicked the French out of Algeria; why shouldn’t we do the same here?”[8] Islamophobic content published by French intelligentsia also contributes to indoctrinate the French society. For instance, in 1994, the Middle East Forum, an anti-Islam think tank published an article of Michel Gurfinkiel, renown French conservative journalist and public intellectual. Michel argues Islamization will eventually take over the country because of following “threats” from French Muslims: more practicing like fasting & praying, places of worships and attendance is increasing, birth rate is high - 3 to 4 times higher than local women, Muslim voting power, their unity under central Muslim leadership.[9] His myths are demolished by a report from Brookings Institute on “Unrest in France, November 2005”: There are about 5 million Muslims in France. According to 1999 census & survey, 3.7 million Muslims out of total, 66% identify themselves as Muslims and 20% as having no religion at all. The 66% also have a very low attendance at mosques. The fertility rate among French women is 1.94 children born per woman (2005.) Without immigrant women, this figure would drop only by 0.05 children born per woman. Roughly half of the 5 million Muslims living in France today are not citizens. Many are under 18 years of age or recent immigrants, which means they cannot vote. The term “Muslim Community” in France is also misleading because there are huge differences among community members based on country of their origin, social background, political orientation and ideology, and the branch of Islam. The myth of "Muslim leadership" is also incorrect because Muslims in France have no central authority.[10] Post-industrialization & Discrimination After 1970s, the post-industrialization period in France brought the low skilled labor jobs for majority of these North African immigrants to an end. Other industries boomed and these immigrants lacked technological and special skills for professional jobs. Settled in low-cost public housing development projects with increased unemployment, they became more marginalized in the society. Their private spaces became the ghettoes. With Islamophobia and the “threat” of Islam in the minds of general French public, the children of these immigrants, the second and third generation French citizens also felt marginalized due to their North African roots and non-European identity, and have continued to do so in 21st century. Discrimination being a major factor of high unemployment rates among them coupled with bad government policies, racial profiling by police, ghettoization, all together, fueled the series of riots in France through 1990s and then a wave of them from 2005 and onwards. Deceptive as always, the French media put the blame on religion for their problems, they reported “Islamic fundamentalism” as primary factor for the isolation and violence in these neighborhoods, which is far from truth. French politicians buy in to this nonsense for obvious political reasons. Hence the French President’s efforts to reintegrate the French Muslims by declaring “Islam in crises” doesn’t help the situation, it actually takes away the attention from the main issues of the French Muslims. It attempts to hide the failure of the French governments own contradictions in their approach to resolve issues. As Dr. Hamed Benseddik, professor of Decolonial Studies, puts it very accurately: “Modern France and Colonial France haven’t really changed. It continues to struggle with the failed integration and assimilation of Muslims, largely due to its own internal contradictions. How does a country that allegedly stands for liberty, equality and fraternity reconcile itself with internal racist undercurrents that deny the liberty of religion, generate inequality, and regard Arabs and Muslims as second-class citizens?”[11] References: [1] Macron Rolls Out Vision to Reorganize Islam in France, Bloomberg, By Ania Nussbaum, October 2, 2020, Macron Rolls Out Vision to Reorganize Islam in France [2] Taliban haul 'exhausted' aid workers before court, The Guardian, Luke Harding, South Asia correspondent Sun 9 Sep 2001 18.32 EDT Taliban haul 'exhausted' aid workers before court - Aid Workers Unharmed but Witnessed Beatings - First Things First: For Inquiring Minds and Yearning Hearts, Secularism In France, Khalid Baig, Open Mind Press (July 14, 2004) [3] About-France.com, A Guide To France, Education in France - Primary & Secondary Schools, The French Education system - schools and secondary education. About-France.com. [4] France backs school head scarf ban, CNN, From CNN Paris Correspondent Jim Bittermann, Tuesday, February 10, 2004 Posted: 8:32 PM EST, France backs school head scarf ban [5] French scarf ban comes into force, BBC News, Thursday, 2 September, 2004, French scarf ban comes into force & European court rules workplace headscarf ban is legal [6] MacMaster, “Islamophobia in France and the Algerian Problem”, in The Ne Crusades: Constructing the Muslim Enemy, Emran Qureshi and Michael A Sells, eds. , (New York: Columbia University Press, 2003), 291. The New Crusades [7]“https://www.youtube.com/embed/EOUDRBc0HhI (https://www.youtube.com/embed/EOUDRBc0HhI)" [8] Islamophobia in France and the "Algerian Problem". / MacMaster, Neil. The New Crusades. Constructing the Muslim Enemy. ed. / Emran Qureshi; Michael A. Sells, eds. (New York: Columbia University Press, 2003), p. 288-313. The New Crusades [9] Islam in France: The French Way of Life Is in Danger by Michel Gurfinkiel, Middle East Forum, Middle East Quarterly, March 1997, pp. 19-29, Islam in France: The French Way of Life Is in Danger [10] UNREST IN FRANCE, NOVEMBER 2005: IMMIGRATION, ISLAM AND THE CHALLENGE OF INTEGRATION, The Brookings Institution, Justin Vaisse Presentation to Congressional Staff, January 10 and 12, 2006, Washington, DC https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/vaisse20060112-1.pdf [11] France’s ‘Muslim’ problem and the unspoken racism at its heart, TRT World, ADAM BENSAID 19 FEB 2020, France’s ‘Muslim’ problem and the unspoken racism at its heart Originally authored on reddit.com 8/13/20:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ZaytunHub/comments/ib6fr6/why_oic_under_its_saudi_leadership_does_not_raise/ The self-imposed Saudi crown prince Muhammad bin Salman, son of current King Salman, is one of the least interested Saudi leader of all times when it comes to most pressing issues faced by Muslims, in particular the occupation of Palestine and Kashmir. The OIC (Organization of Islamic conference) was a platform created in 1972 as a result of Israeli occupation and oppression against the Palestinians and other challenges faced by Muslims. Unfortunately, in recent years OIC has become a platform where some Muslim countries wield complete influence and only allow those issues to be raised that are of concern to their own interests. After the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran that toppled the Shah’s regime, a monarchy, Saudi Arabia and other gulf Arab monarchies saw it as a threat to their existence and the relationship between them and Iran began to deteriorate which harmed the cause of OIC. Threat from Iran resulted in the formation of a council by Gulf Monarchies called the GCC or Gulf Cooperation Council. With OIC headquarters based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia has used the platform to wield its political influence on the member states and only push forward those matters that are in line with its own regional agenda. Additionally, with time the latest Saudi leadership under a very old and ailing King Salman, has his crown prince Muhammad bin Salman, also called MBS, handling matters for him, who is very impressed as well as advised by the Emirati leader Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed, called MBZ. MBS and MBZ have restricted use of this platform more than ever. Recently the Muslim summit in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia organized by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad to discuss the issues facing the Muslims was rejected and condemned by Saudi Arabia and in particular UAE to the point where they successfully pressured and prevented the attendance of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Indonesian President, leaders of 2 very important Muslim countries. That summit was attended by leaders from Iran, Malaysia, Qatar and Turkey - that have openly come out in support of Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, and have raised objection against India's unilateral actions on the occupied region. On Aug 5, 2019 India, under its extremist Hindu BJP government, scrapped Article 370 of the Indian Constitution which gave autonomy to the occupied Kashmir territory. This would pave the way for a demographic change in Muslim majority Kashmir which would impact the vote of its residents for an independent state. Since then Pakistan has been pressing OIC to raise this matter through their platform but all requests have fallen on deaf ears. Muhammad bin Zayed (MBZ) and the Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MBS), are known to have mentor and mentee relationship, as the latter dreams to modernize Saudi Arabia on the same pattern of Dubai, UAE. To strengthen their own countries and economies, the Saudi-Emirati partnership is playing an active role of a destabilizer in the Muslim region from Libya to Yemen. Emirati-Saudi-Egyptian support for the warlord Khalifa Hafter in Libya and Emirati-Saudi support for the separatist stooges in Yemen, their efforts to curb Iranian influence, their not very hidden alliance with Israel, blockade of Qatar, are very clear objectives. With all this political activity and involvement of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and the wider Muslim world together with its UAE partnership makes OIC even more unreliable to be approached for resolving Muslim issues. The question is why is Saudi Arabia with UAE as its main partner are playing such a divisive part in Muslim world despite being in leadership of OIC forum. Does Islam answer this question? In 1920s Indo-Pak Subcontinent Muslims, then under British rule, led a Khilafat Movement to prevent the abolishment of Ottoman Caliphate by the European Colonizers. The Bedouins of Arabian Peninsula, in particular the House of Saud from Najd region, backed by their British partners, raised a final rebellion in early 19th century to eliminate the remaining Ottoman control of Makkah and Madinah and formed their new state called Saudi Arabia. This rebellion was a series of rebellions that initiated in the early 18th century (early 1700s) by Muhammad ibn Saud and his religious scholar supporter Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab. At that time a hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came to light in which he prophesied a fitnah (trial, tribulation, difficult period) that would emerge from Najd: Narrated Ibn 'Umar the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "O Allah bless us in our Sham! O Allah bless us in our Yemen." They said: "And in our Najd" He said: "O Allah bless us in our Sham! O Allah bless us in our Yemen." They said: "And in our Najd" He said: "Earthquakes are there, and tribulations are there." Or he said: "The qarn (age or horn) of Shaitan comes from there." (Jami Tirmidhi - Vol. 1, Book 46, Hadith 3953) Prophet Muhammad ﷺ refused to send his blessings and prayers upon Najd because he knew that some people from this land will gain power in the end of times (akhir uz zamaan) and become a trial for the Muslims. Since the abolishment of Ottoman Caliphate, several prominent Islamic scholars have interpreted this hadith in reference to the rebellion of House of Saud that emerged from Najd. The Prophet ﷺ predicted a “qarn of shaitan” where qarn in Arabic commonly translated as “horn” is also referred to an “age” or “epoch” thus teaching us that a new age of rulership appearing from Najd which would be the cause of much trouble, division and instability for the Muslims and in particular the Arabs. This instability is quite clearly noticeable in the fact that since the establishment of Saudi Arabia Muslims have seen the abolishment of Caliphate, an institute that existed among them from the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, a major uniting factor of Islam. After the failure of the Khilafat Movement of IndoPak subcontinent the Muslims in India decided to struggle for their own homeland independent of British rule and to avoid living under Hindu majority. This resulted in the creation of Pakistan but through deceit and trickery of the extremist Hindu government of India, Kashmir was not allowed freedom and still remains under their occupation. Hence where Pakistan was created as a result of Muslim unity and to save the Islamic identity, Saudi Arabia was formed as a result of breaking up of a major factor that kept Muslims united, the Caliphate. Since the European backers and allies of Saudi Arabia are those that struggled to break up the Caliphate, it is not possible that Muslims should carry any hopes that they would unconditionally support Palestinian or Kashmir issue or even if some of the royals of the ruling family did, the majority in power will always oppose. One of the signs of the end times that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said was “…. what I fear most for my nation is misguiding leaders. Some tribes among my nation will worship idols and some tribes among my nation will join the idolaters.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3952) - "join the idolators" is a clear fulfillment of a prophecy of economic alliance with the Hindu (idolater) Govt of India due to which Saudi Arabia and UAE are not uttering a word for the sake of Kashmir. Saudi Arabia, in particular with its foolish and ambitious crown prince is fast track to accomplish its 2030 vision in which his main concern is to diversify economy so their reliance on oil and conventional resources of revenue becomes less. To accomplish their economic ambitions the Saudis have even decided to heavily invest in India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, to help accelerate the building of ports, highways and other projects in India, overlooking plight of Kashmiri Muslims and other Muslims of India that continuously face hostility and hate crimes from the extremist BJP govt in power. India's bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia was USD 27.48 billion in 2017-18, making Saudi Arabia its fourth largest trading partner. Right after India abolished the autonomous status of Kashmir on Aug 5th, 2019, UAE awarded fascist Prime Minister Modi with highest award of honor called ‘Order of Zayed’ because of annual bilateral trade of about USD 60 billion, which makes them India's third-largest trade partner. UAE also the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil to India. This Saudi and Emirati blind eye turning towards the major problems of the Muslim world is because they give high importance to wealth. Their mindset considers material success over more important issues and this materialistic attitude was also prophesied by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recorded in the famous hadith of Jibreel (alaihi salaam) when he was asked about a sign of the hour (end times) to which the Prophet ﷺ replied “…when a slave woman gives birth to her mistress, when you see the barefoot, naked, destitute shepherds competing in making tall buildings.” (Sunan an-Nasa'i 4990) - The fulfillment of this prophecy came to be when GCC states, in particular UAE and Saudi Arabia after discovery of oil began modernizing their cities with construction projects worth billions USD with their mark of tallest buildings in the world such as Burj Khalifa and Makkah tower. It is also a fact that rulers of these Sheikhdoms have historically inhabited the deserts Arabian lands from the time of Prophet ﷺ and are known for their camel herding and shepherding. It was only after the 20th century discovery of oil in the region that their manner of living completely changed their Bedouin desert lifestyle. Rather than using their oil wealth and influence to help those who are under oppression, they would employ it to dominate and exploit the Muslims, if and when necessary to sustain their influence and power in the region. Before ending this short writing I would like to mention an important ayah of the Quran. The ayah was revealed when some Bedouins came to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to accept Islam and proudly declared that they now have faith, to which the following verse of the Quran was revealed: (Al Quran 49:14) قَالَتِ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ ءَامَنَّاۖ قُل لَّمۡ تُؤۡمِنُواْ وَلَٰكِن قُولُوٓاْ أَسۡلَمۡنَا وَلَمَّا يَدۡخُلِ ٱلۡإِيمَٰنُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمۡۖ وَإِن تُطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ لَا يَلِتۡكُم مِّنۡ أَعۡمَٰلِكُمۡ شَيۡـًٔاۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٌ “THE BEDOUIN say, ‘We have attained to faith.’ Say [to them, O Muhammad]: ‘You have not [yet] attained to faith; you should [rather] say, 'We have [outwardly] surrendered' - for [true] faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you [truly] pay heed to God and His Messenger, He will not let the least of your deeds go to waste: for, behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.” - Asad Translation. References: Kuala Lumpur Summit: Five major issues facing Muslim world Emirate of Diriyah Another setback for Pakistan’s faltering Kashmir stance US promotes meeting between MBS and Netanyahu Gulf Cooperation Council Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) Saudi Vision 2030 Saudi crown prince in India as 'trade, investment' top agenda Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) UAE honours PM Narendra Modi with highest civilian award Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) http://imranhosein.org/inhmedia/books/caliphate.pdf Israel, UAE announce normalisation of relations with US help Originally authored on 6/8/20 - Please click link for reference: https://www.quora.com/q/discoverislam/Islam-The-Solution-to-Americas-Racism America’s Struggle Against Racism As protests continue to happen throughout United States at the death of George Floyd, a black man killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, many are questioning if Civil Rights Act of 1964 and similar legislations (Voting Rights Act of 1965), that gave blacks and other minorities equal rights and citizenship in US, ever fulfilled their purpose. These acts were the result of struggles by famous rights activists such as Rosa Parks, Malcom X & Martin Luther King Jr. who initiated their civil rights movements to end the curse of segregation based on skin color. In 1955 when a black lady named Rosa Parks was arrested for not leaving her seat for white commuters, her defiance gave the major impetus that mobilized the blacks in America under Martin Luther and Malcom X to peacefully struggle till acceptance of their rights as equal citizens. Despite passage of historical legislations, we continue to experience incidents like one in Minneapolis. After several decades, the American people wonder why struggle for equal rights for blacks and other minorities continues to be a national crisis and why racism is still found institutionalized in certain public sectors especially the law enforcement such as police and similar agencies. The Root Cause of Racism in United States The slavery of the blacks in the United States was justified through a passage of Bible, Book of Genesis, famously called the “Curse of Ham”. According to the Bible, Ham, one of the sons of Noah, finds Noah drunk and naked in his tent. He tells his brothers, Shem and Japheth, who proceed to cover their father without gazing at him. When Noah finds out what happened, he curses Ham's son Canaan, saying he shall be ''a servant of servants”. ''And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father. . . .When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, he said, “Cursed be Canaan; a slave of slaves shall he be to his brothers.” (Genesis 9:22-24,25) Given the fact that Bible underwent changes throughout its history, one cannot be sure of this incident, yet it has been widely accepted by Judeo Christian leaders. Throughout history, Jewish and Christian scholars interpreted this incident by assigning slavery and servitude to Ham and his sons. Despite the fact only “Canaan” was cursed in the text, the primary target became Ham himself because of how he acted in a dishonorable manner towards his father. In addition to this, the Hebrew word “Ham” or “Haam” in the Rabbinic literature means “black” or “brown,” and thus indicated associations with the black skinned Africans. Interestingly in Arabic “haam” or حم also means “black” or “burn” or “hot”, Hebrew being a sister language of Arabic gives the same variety of meaning to this word. Due to these variety of meanings the black populations inhabiting the hot Sub-Saharan African region are considered the correct descendants of Ham. Since Noah cursed Ham’s descendancy, one of them named Kush or Cush, the eldest of Ham’s son, considered as the progenitor of many black African nations, became the primary target. This interpretation was used as the pretext to enslave blacks from the African continent by Christian European Colonizers and brought to the US. This concept of defacto status of less honor for any given race or nation should be no surprise for the Jews & Christians because Judaic teachings strongly believe in the defacto status Children of Israel as “God’s chosen people” among humankind (Deuteronomy 7:6). With higher status comes greater responsibility but throughout history there has been a tendency among the Jewish clergy to consider this status as their “unconditional God given right”. One of the major expressions of this misinterpretation can be observed in the illegal and brutal occupation of Palestine and enslavement of Palestinians by the Israelis who consider it their right to do this as they have a special status. How Islam Can Help Defeat Racism? Quran, which Muslims believe is the extension of the Bible, the Final Testament revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to deliver God’s message for entire humankind. The primary purpose for this final revelation is to confirm the teachings of previous Prophets such as Moses (a.s) and Jesus son of Mary (a.s) and correct the misinterpretations done by the followers of these 2 great Messengers’. The Quran explicitly opposes concepts of race superiority and chosen peoples and provides no room for any racist interpretation whatsoever. It teaches that the first sin to have ever committed by anyone was the arrogant act of racism by satan or iblees (Arabic form of diabolo) against Adam (a.s) claiming “I am better than he is: You created me from fire and him from clay.” (Al Quran 7:12). The Quran approves cultural diversity, rejects Judaic chosen people concept solely based on lineage (Al Quran 2:124) and emphasizes that all humans are equal in the sight of God and the best is not the one who has a particular color, belongs to a certain race or ethnic background, in fact “the best among you is the one who is most pious & righteous” (Al Quran 49:13, 30:22). An echo of this teaching can be found in the famous farewell sermon (khutbatul wida) that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered and said “a white does not have any superiority over a black and neither does a black have over a white, an Arab does not have over a non-Arab and vice versa, and that all of us have been descended from Adam (alaihi salaam) and he was created of earth” thus reminding us of our true origin. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, himself an Arab reminded the majority of his Arab following that “I admonish you to fear Allah, to listen and obey even if an Abyssinian slave (black man) is appointed as your leader…” Islam discourages slavery and emancipation of slaves is one of the most highest acts of piety (Al Quran 2:177). One of the major sources of inspiration for Malcom X to accept Islam was the incident when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ rebuked his companion Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari (r.a) for mistreatment of his black companion named Bilal ibn Rabah (r.a), who rose to a leading position within the Muslim community of 7th century Arabia. Abu Dharr (r.a) called Bilal (r.a) "the son of a black woman." Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was annoyed and criticized Abu Dharr for identifying people by skin color and stated, "you are the man who still has the traits of jahilliya (ignorance) in him." The jahilliya refers to the "pre-Islamic state of ignorance” in which the Arabs were engrossed before Islam came to their rescue. Religion holds a sacred place in the hearts and minds of individuals and can become a source of major change in people’s lives and nations. Since the Biblical text employed for centuries to support discrimination and racism against others, it is only religious sacredness that can help defeat racism in America at all levels. Martin Luther King Jr correctly said “Sunday morning remains the most segregated hour in America” because majority among each community goes to their own churches, blacks go to theirs and so does Whites, Hispanics, Asians etc. Two in three (66 percent) Americans have never regularly attended a place of worship where they were an ethnic minority, according to new polling analysis released by LifeWay Research. This is obviously due to the impact on Christian hearts and minds of their centuries old teachings. In Islam, it’s the opposite. The worshippers in any given masjid in US, hail from different ethnic backgrounds, all equally stand shoulder to shoulder 5 time a day before their Creator, with no discrimination whatsoever. As Islam explicitly addresses and opposes the problem of racism, its sacred teachings can impact the hearts and minds of Americans and accomplish that no anti-racist legislation can. References: The last 30 minutes of George Floyd's life امریکا میں سیاہ فاموں کے حقوق کے لیے ہونے والی جنگ کی داستان Bible Gateway passage: Genesis 9 - New International Version The Curse of Ham - David M. Goldenberg 2009 - https://muse.jhu.edu/chapter/1186558 Civil rights movement Slavery in the United States Sunnah.com - Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) Sunday Is Still the Most Segregated Day of the Week Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Pilgrimage and Farewell Speech The religious experience of Christian Europe cannot be compared with the religious experience of the Islamic world. The Reformation period in 16th century Western Europe also called the Protestant Reformation was a reaction to the Church policies. The Church had become a major impediment to all sorts of individual and societal progress and development. The Protestant Reformation was an attempt to moderate the teachings of Christianity which conflicted with the needs of the time. However, in the case of Islam it was opposite. Islam first brought the Arabs and then the other regional communities, out from darkness of ignorance in to the light of faith and reason. This light became the source of strength and courage which made them leaders in matters of faith and material progress (for more info on this fact click here). The progress Muslims achieved in early Islam, medieval age and modern history were all based on faith, not an abandonment of it, because sole material progress unchecked by faith leads towards a sort of extremism and gradual destruction, as can be observed in the modern technological revolution. Similarly a blind attitude towards religious teachings also causes one to loose insight and wisdom, which results in ignorance and extremism, something that Europe experienced throughout the medieval age (hence called Dark Ages) such as intolerance, gender persecution, minority persecution, sectarianism & violence. Unfortunately the blind following of religious teachings has also caused many Muslims of our time to suffer the same fate. But that has mainly to do with the dichotomy placed in to the education system of the East after colonization by the West. The Islamic education was separated after education system was secularized in many Muslim countries which resulted in Madrassah (Islamic seminary) educated students to have less awareness and expertise of worldly sciences and wisdom. Such a system lowered Islam down to the level of a maddhab i.e. a part of Islam that is only concerned with the application of its rituals and ways of practices, and nothing more. Hence Muslims experienced degeneration only after they dichotomized (divided) Islam and formed an incomplete relationship with its complete teachings found in the Quran and the Prophetic hadith. The Islamic experience is unlike that of Jews, Christians and other communities, who lost portion of their scriptures and then experienced distortion and misinterpretations by clergy of the remaining portion: first causing separation of masses from Church and then a complete separation of Church and State. Its due to this Marmaduke Pickthall rightly said: "It was not until the Western nations broke away from their religious law that they became more tolerant, and it was only when the Muslims fell away from their religious law that they declined in." The Protestant Reformation of West did not succeed either, as ultimately it led towards Renaissance which was abandonment of religious teachings altogether. The European revolutions of the Renaissance were anti religion in their approach, partly because of skepticism towards mysterious dogmas taught and promoted by the Church, such as "Original Sin" & "Trinity" or "Chosen People" in Judaism. Attempts were made to reform such concepts to make more sense to its followers. When such attempts, failed it either resulted in further schisms or abandonment of entire teachings resulting in acceptance of Atheism or Agnosticism by their followers. Fortunately for Islam, its teachings are in conformance with human reason and form a harmonious relationship between spiritual and physical needs without any contradiction. Allah ﷻ has referred to Muslims in the Quran: (Al Baqara 2:143) “Thus We have made of you ummatan wasatan (a nation justly balanced)” – Ummatan Wasatan means "middle nation", "the best nation", and a "nation justly balanced". This phrase captures the essence of Islam and reflects in a practicing Muslim's life. Just like our physical well being requires that we eat a balance diet similarly our economic, social and spiritual well-being demands finding balance and moderation. Islamic teachings provide that balance and moderation. Hence something that makes sense is not easy to change or make the people abandon. A quick comparison of the belief system of Islam with belief systems of other religions will differentiate how there is a complete balance found in Islamic teachings and how manmade distortions lead towards extremism and schisms. For instance let take the belief in One God. In other religions people worship animals, celestial bodies and forces of nature, then there are those that altogether deny the existence of God. The sun, fire, water, earth are mere creations of One Almighty God. He alone created the entire Universe and He alone is its Lord, hence He alone should be worshiped. Islamic monotheism is the truth. Atheism & Polytheism are extremist distortions of this basic truth. Lets mention the beliefs in prophets. In other religions prophets are declared to be son of God; others consider these chosen ones as ordinary human beings who committed all types of sins. Then there were those who killed their prophets, and those who blindly follow false prophet claimants (even within deviated Muslims). But Islam justly balances this belief. Allah ﷻ chose messenger from human beings to convey to them His guidance. They were all humans, not divine, as they were meant to be exemplars for humanity, yet they were the best of all humans and they spoke with Divine Authority. They deserved the deepest love, devotion & obedience from humans. One only needs to compare the depiction of prophets in the Quran with that in other scriptures to appreciate this difference. The latter shows the distortions produced by human imagination, the extremism that creeps in when God’s Words and Teachings are no longer preserved. Similar is the case of religious practices. Christianity & Judaism are 2 extremes. In the former love and spirituality replaced law, in the latter Law made life unbearable. The reformists in both tried to find escape and led to other extremes. This is why the Western world went from one extreme to another: from pleasure is sin asceticism of Church to the sin is in liberalism of today's modern Secular West. In Islam spirituality & law both are necessary for a balanced life and well being, which leaves no room for confusions that may cause ignorance. What led towards the success of Protest Reformation Movement was 2 main things: scripture distortions - misinterpretations and clergy corruption. But the fact about Islam is that it came to Arabia at the time when the society was experiencing widespread jahilliya (evil and ignorance) and within 23 years of its introduction it was successful in eliminating all forms of jahilliya from that society. Despite passage of almost 15 centuries, the Islamic teachings enshrined in Quran and Propetic hadith remain intact, and the complete usage of that guidance can help its followers succeed today as it did in the past. Thus what Christianity experienced would be meaningless to attempt with Islam. With the historic victory of the Taliban against one of the largest, most technologically advanced Western military alliance and the establishment of an Islamic government in Afghanistan, the liberal secular section of Pakistan is extremely concerned. It is important to note that it was these who justified Musharraf's support to US in attacking Afghanistan and crack down on the religious circles of Pakistan after 9/11 only to please the Western world. One can often recognize them from among politicians, military elite, bureaucracy, the intelligentsia on TV shows, newspapers, social media often expressing doubts against the Islamic foundation of Pakistan and claiming that the father of this nation, Quaide Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a secular and never wanted an Islamic state. They now fear that the neighboring situation might inspire masses to mobilize and demand the Islamization of Pakistan, the exact purpose for which the country was created.
How & Why Pakistan was Established? Pakistan vs Other Nation States Nationalism in the 19th century Europe gave birth to modern nation states where several groups of people carved their states based one of the shared social characteristics like language, culture, ethnicity, geographic location etc. Germany became the land of Germans and French speaking population joined France. Many non-Europeans also adopted this ideology and set it as the foundation for their newly independent states. For instance, the Chinese, Japanese, the Egyptians adopted territorial nationalism and build their modern nations on the geographic location of their ancient civilizations. Likewise, several modern Arab states were built based on Arab nationalism where Arabic language was the shared characteristic. But the case of Pakistan was very different. Pakistan came in to being for the first time in 1947. The pioneers that struggled to bring Pakistan in to being were not doing so based on any ethnicity, race or language because this state was going to be an amalgamation of various ethnic groups and sub-groups (Sindhi, Siraiki, Pashtun, Punjabi etc.). Hence the only factor that could have brought these various groups together for the establishment of one state was Islam and no other reason. Chain of Events Prior to 1947 Even though Pakistan came in to existence in 1947 yet its creation was a result of chain of events that started 90 years back at the war of Independence in 1857 when Muslims fought Jihad against British. The primary aim of the British was to capture Delhi, which served as the capital for many Muslim dynasties that ruled India for centuries. Their capture of Delhi brought the last and weak Mughal empire to its end and Muslims saw themselves entering a dark era where they were going to loose political authority and be confined to slavery conditions. Its important to note that Muslims participation in this war was much more, in proportion to their small percentage of the total subcontinent population. Also, Muslims were not the majority yet their armed Jihad against British started in early 19th century. The toughest resistance to British came from Muslim Kingdom of Mysore during Anglo-Mysore wars. Brave mujahideen leaders namely Syed Ahmad Shaheed, Shah Ismail Shaheed, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Barkat Ahmad, Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki, Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi, Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah, whom even British were forced to praise, played an important role in this war. After their defeat Muslims did not end their struggle. Many ulema and mashaikh continued their struggle through teaching and preaching the importance of Islam to the masses, their glorious past and necessity of Jihad. The preaching continued to give rise to several freedom fighters in 20th century such as Mahmood ul Hasan, Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi, and many among their students who continued their struggle and eventually joined the movement for the formation of Pakistan, a future Islamic state where Muslims would rule according to Islam once again. A major impetus for the Muslims of the region to demand a separate homeland was the failure of the Khilafat movement and the consistent racism and opposition from the Hindus, the majority of India. The Khilafat movement was spearheaded by the Ulema to prevent the abolishment of Osmani Khilafat by the European powers after the Turks were defeated in World War 1. The Khilafat was a symbol of unity for the Muslim ummah that existed from the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Its abolishment happened first time in history and weighed heavily on the minds of Indian Muslims whose hope from the Osmani Khalifa kept their struggle active against British and the Hindus. With the end of the Khilafat Indian Muslims were now concerned for their future and the future of Islam. It gave rise to a Hijrat (migration) Movement which caused many Muslims to migrate to Afghanistan because they considered the British ruled India as a Dar Al Harb (the house of war) where Muslims were no longer safe to practice their deen. But unfortunately this movement caused undue hardships for the those who made the hijrat. Eventually leaders like Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, the famous Islamic poet philosopher, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of the nation (Pakistan), and ulema and mashaikh who allied with them, decided to struggle for an independent state made up of Muslim majority areas of India where Islamic identity could be preserved and an Islamic system practiced without any fear. Iqbal's expressed his goal for an Islamic state in the following poetry on this topic: Yehi Maqsood-E-Fitrat Hai, Yehi Ramz-E-Muslamani Akhuwat Ki Jahangeeri, Mohabat Ki Farawani Butan-E-Rang-O-Khoon Ko Torh Kar Millat Mein Gum Ho Ja Na Toorani Rahe Baqi, Na Irani Na Afghani This is the destiny of nature; this is the secret of Islam-- World‐wide brotherhood, an abundance of love! Break the idols of color and blood and become lost in the community. Let neither Turanians, Iranians nor Afghan remain When many Muslims such as Egyptians, Arabs and Turks, were carving their states based on one or another forms of nationalism, Iqbal warned the Indian Muslims against such idealism that contradicted Islam which transcends all forms of race, language, color, territory. He expressed himself in the following poetry: In Taza Khudaon Mein Sub Se Bara Watan Hai Jo perhan iska hai woh mazhab ka kafan hai Among the new gods of this era is a nation state The cloak of this is the burial shroud of deen (Islam) Why Pakistan never became an Islamic State? First Challenge: Secular Liberal Mindset But after the formation of its state, Pakistan gradually came under the influence of a secular, liberal minded class for whom Islam was not a necessary factor in governance and state affairs, it was only a matter of one's private affair. The origin of this class came from All India Muslim League, the sole party instrumental in bringing the Muslim masses in India together to demand the formation of a separate homeland. The members from this party became part of the first government of Pakistan after its independence. The history of this party is very important to understand why secular liberal minded people have remained a hurdle towards the objective of Islamic governance in the country. After the defeat of the Muslims in 1857 the British favored the Hindus into administration and politics resulting in Muslims being sidelined and Hindus gaining supremacy. To counter that a renown figure named Sir Syed Ahmad Khan decided to initiate an educational movement called Aligarh Movement whose aim would be to educate the Muslims minds in Western education system of the British as opposed to the traditional Islamic Madrassah education. This he did so they could become loyal British subjects, demand their due rights and compete against the influential Hindus. He suggested Muslims to educate themselves first before engaging in any political activity. The Hindu dominated Indian National Congress was the first political party in British India, and some Muslim leaders including Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had joined them as there was no political platform for Muslims in the country. But eventually the graduates and members of Aligarh institute and movement formed All India Muslim League and many like Muhammad Ali Jinnah, left Congress due to the Hindu hostility and joined it. Since Muslim League was the only political party in British India that represented Muslims they became instrumental in the struggle for their political cause. The party was mainly led by those who were the elite among Muslims because they were educated in a Western education system as opposed to the traditional madrassahs. The party also included Nawabs and Maliks, feudal landlords (zamindaars) whom British at one point in time allotted fiefdoms to neutralize rebellions. It was this party Allama Iqbal and Quaide Azam chose to push for a separate homeland. It was individuals from this party that formed the first government of Pakistan and became members of assembly. Today it is their likeminded successors that have remained a hindrance to the establishment of an Islamic state in Pakistan. To prove their nationalist viewpoint these secular liberals often quote Quaide Azam's speech of 11 August in which while presiding over the new constituent assembly declared: "....You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place or worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State..." Dr. Safdar Mahmood, author of several books on the history and politics of Pakistan, claims that apart from August 11th no less than a total of 115 times did Quaide Azam in several speeches on various occasions before and after the establishment of Pakistan stressed that the state would be based on Islamic principles. It is quite interesting that Quaide Azam expressed resentment at one point when he noticed that certain people were attempting to stop the framing of the constitution based on Shariah He said: “…a section of the people who deliberately wanted to create mischief and made propaganda that the constitution of Pakistan would not be made on the basis of shariat. Islamic principles today are as applicable to life as they were 1300 years ago; not only Muslims but also non-Muslims have nothing to fear. Islam and its idealism have taught us democracy. Islam has taught equality, Justice and fair play to everybody.” A famous attempt to alienate Pakistan from its Islamic roots was made by the 2nd Chief Justice of Pakistan Muhammad Munir in his book Jinnah to Zia. He proves Quaide Azam's secular leaning from an interview he gave to a Reuters journalist Doon Campbell: "The new state would be a modern democratic state with sovereignty resting in the people and the members of the new nation having equal rights of citizenship regardless of their religion, caste or creed". Saleena Karim, an independent writer and researcher from Nottingham, England refutes Munir in her Secular Jinnah: Munir's Big Hoax Exposed claiming that the words “sovereignty resting in the people” attributed to Quaide Azam are in fact fake. She said that after having searched for years these words but could not find them anywhere. She also claimed that these so-called words were first added by Munir in his Inquiry Report of 1953 as a proof that Quaide Azam never wanted an Islamic State in Pakistan. This inquiry report was published against the protesting Ulema who were demanding to declare Ahmadis/Qadiyanis (who believe in the prophethood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmed) as non-Muslims. Second Challenge: Ethnic Nationalist Politics Since 1947 the secular liberals has pushed for Western democracy in the country and are known for often clashing with ulema and mashaikhs, blocking all opportunities of consultation with them to find an Islamic alternative to the Western model of governance. Since they were mainly educated in Western education system under British, they preferred their way of thinking instead of Islam, their minds could not accept an alternative to Western democracy. Till today a large chunk of the politicians, upper hierarchy of the Armed forces, the Judiciary and intelligentsia, identify themselves as liberal secular and often ignore or outright challenge Pakistan’s religious foundations that were instrumental in its creation. Majority of mainstream political parties namely PPP, PML (Q or N etc.), MQM, ANP are secular and rely on ethnic politics for their vote, and often engage in communal violence against one another. Their politics has poisoned the Pakistani minds and divided them along linguistic and ethnic lines. For them accepting Islam as a model of governance will be the end their political career. Even the ruling party PTI (Pakistan Tehreek i Insaaf) led by Imran Khan who desires to build a Naya (New) Pakistan on the model of Riyasat e Madinah (Prophet's state in Madinah), remains largely free from ethnic politics but includes secular ministers such as Shirin Mazari, Fawad Chawdhry, Sheikh Rashid. They openly engage in un-Islamic acts such as cracking down on protesters demanding end to French diplomatic relations over Prophet's cartoons, tabling Conversion Bill, supporting Transgender Bill, accepting IMF loans on strict conditions, spending money on construction of Hindu & Sikh temples while ignoring Masajids, pleasing European Human Rights councils for GSP plus status, caving in to Saudi pressure etc. which puts a big question on Imran's Riyasat e Madinah ambitions. Third Challenge: Dichotomy in Education System The failure of subsequent governments to Islamize Pakistan also caused the education system of the country to remain divided along religious and secular lines. The madrassahs where religious sciences in Urdu are taught are separate from the regular school system where secular subjects are taught in English. The majority lower class who cannot afford English medium schools send their children to madrassahs while the middle and higher class people send their children to English schools. The regular school system was inherited from the colonization period after independence. The British established that system to help create a mindset that was closer to their thinking and way of life. This deliberate failure to Islamize education system sustains the secular vs religious dichotomy. The English educated class and thinking always got to remain influential among politicians, army, judiciary, intelligentsia and that is what sustains the dichotomy. Knowledge in Islam includes religious and secular aspects of learning, Islamization of knowledge does not separate the two, it combines both in to one. The Islamic Foundation of Pakistan The Role of Ulema & Mashaikhs The strongest factor without which Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muslim League could not have achieved the establishment of Pakistan was the contemporary Ulema and Mashaikh. The religious leaders play a very influential role in the world of Islam, the masses are emotionally and spiritually attached to them. During the Khilafat Movement Congress under Mahatama Gandhi decided to join the Muslims and saw as an opportunity to drive out the British from India. This was a short period of somewhat Hindu-Muslim unity. As a result of this an alliance of Ulema called Jamiat Ulama-i Hind decided to cooperate with the Hindus unconditionally. But there was a group of Ulema who did not like the Jamiat to give unconditional support to the Congress. They knew that Hindus were not sincere to Muslims in the long run. These ulema formed their own alliance called All India Jamiat Ulema e Islam. After failure of Khilafat Movement this group saw an alternative to the abolishment of Khilafat in the movement for Pakistan, an Islamic State. Hence they decided to join it. The Jamiat Ulema Islam included figures that belonged to all three main schools of thoughts: Deobandi, Ahle Hadith & Barelvi and all four main sufi orders of Chishtia, Qadria, Naqshbandia and Soharwardia. Hence it was the support of the millions of followers of each religious group for the Pakistan movement that turned the tide in favor of All India Muslim League in the elections of 1946 which opened the path for the creation of an Islamic State. The prominent names amongst them are Allama Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, Maulana Abdul Hamid Badauni, Mufti Muhammad Shafi, Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Sialkoti, Pir Ghulam Mujadid Sirhandi, Amin-ul-Hasanat Pir Sahib of Manki Sharif, Pir Sahib of Zakori Sharif, Pir Jamaat Ali Shah, Maulana Sanaullah Amratsari, Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Ghangohi, Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotavi, Haji Zaman Ali Shaheed and a lot of others. The role that each of these God fearing personalities played for the sake of Islam in support of Pakistan’s creation clearly proves that without their efforts All India Muslim League would have failed against Congress and its allies. The foremost in assisting Quaide Azam on every step was Allamah Shabbir Ahmad Usmani who hoisted the first flag of Pakistan, whom Muhammad Ali Jinnah called "Sheikh ul Islam". He did not only inspire the Muslims and gave them a hope of an Islamic state, in fact continued to struggle after Pakistan's creation against the secular liberal national assembly members for the passing of Objective Resolution called Qarardad e Maqasid which laid the foundation of the future constitution of Pakistan that would be based on the teaching of Quran & Sunnah. Another important figure was Amin ul Hasanat Pir Manki Sharif, known as Fateh Referendum because he was instrumental in largely winning the support of NWFP Muslims to join Pakistan. He was a major factor in defeating the efforts of pro-Gandhi and Congress nationalist Pashtuns of Ghaffar Khan who did not want to join Pakistan. In one of Jinnah’s letters to Hasanat, he promised that shariah law would be applied to the affairs of the Muslim community. He also assisted in rehabilitation of millions of refugees that migrated to Pakistan. Pir Jamaat Ali Shah, strongest Barelvi figure at that time, with millions of followers, threw his weight behind India Muslim league and Quaide Azam in their efforts. He declared that he would not pray janaza of any Muslim if he knew that they didn't support Pakistan. After establishment of Pakistan he initiated the Nifaz-i-Shariat Movement (Implementation of Shariat) when the ruling elite reneged on implementing the Islamic principles after the demise of the Quaid-i-Azam and Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan. Hence its quite evident that had it not been for ulema and mashaikhs like these, Muhammad Ali Jinnah's struggle could not have succeeded and Allama Iqbal's philosophy of an Islamic state could not have achieved its first step. Pakistan's Philosophy As mentioned earlier, that purpose of Pakistan coming in to being was not for the sake of its own creation, but the idea of its pioneers was to create an Islamic State which would first of all safeguard the wealth, honor and the religion of the Indian Muslims, which was under threat from extremist Hindus and the British authorities, and then struggle for safeguarding the wellbeing of all Muslims. The greater purpose of Pakistan, as idealized by its forefathers, in particular Allama Iqbal & Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was created to eventually assimilate all Muslims of the region and beyond establishing an Islamic world order which would fill the vacuum left by abolishment of the Ottoman Caliphate. Iqbal says in his Tulu e Islam (Rise of Islam): Ye But Ke Tarashida-e-Tehzeeb-e-Nawi Hai Gharatgar-e-Kashana-e-Deen-e-Nabwi Hai Bazu Tera Touheed Ki Quwwat Se Qawi Hai Islam Tera Dais Hai, Tu Mustafavi Hai This idol (of nation state) which is the product of the new civilization Is the plunderer of the structure of the Holy Prophet’s Deen (Religion) Your arm is enforced with the strength of the Divine Unity You are the followers of Mustafa, your country is Islam That is why we believe Pakistan was created purely for the sake of Islam and to bring all Muslims under its fold one day so that the Islamic brotherhood which was symbolized in the caliphate system that lasted centuries till abolished by Europeans, could be revived once again. Allama Shabbir Ahmad Usmani who worked day and night with Quaid e Azam for the formation of Pakistan and who led his Janaza said "that it was the ambition and determination of the Quaid-i-Azam to create a solid bloc of all the Muslim states stretching from Karachi to Ankara, from Pakistan to Morocco and from here to the capital city of China. He wanted to see the Muslims of the world united under the banner of Islam." Hazarat Zauqi Shah on Pakistan's Future Hazrat Zauqi Shah, one of the Sufi writers in India belonging to Chishtiyya order was very instrumental in providing guidance to Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his quest for a separate homeland for the Muslims. Many of his correspondence with Jinnah was published by Sharifuddin Pirzada, a senior advocate in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Hazrat Zauqi Shah has written in many of his writing and expressed in his lectures how the spiritual forces of Islam were working from behind the scenes for the assistance of creation of Pakistan against all odds being pushed by Hindus, British and their associates among Muslims. Many of these lectures and information have been collected in Tarbiyat ul Ushaaq by one of his students Wahid Bakhsh Rabbani. Hazrat Zauqi Shah states that during Pakistan movement, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, one of the spiritual leaders of the Deobandi school, saw a dream in which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was telling someone that "Jinnah has to fulfill a great responsibility". Hazrat Zauqi Shah also tells that when Allama Shabbir Ahmad Usmani came to congratulate Jinnah after Pakistan's creation and said "today even I would say Quaid e Azam Zindabaad (Qiaude Azam is great)", to which Jinnah replied "no no, I could not have done this myself had it not been for Allah's blessings. Actually I believe that it is the through the grace of Madinah that we have achieved this." Additionally, it is written in the Tarbiyat how Zauqi Shah states that one of their primary goals to help Jinnah create Pakistan was so that the world of Islam and the non-Muslim world can see a true Islamic order and state in which sovereignty rests with God as against majority secular states which have either capitalism, communism or dictatorships in which sovereignty rests with man. The creation of Pakistan will allow the world to notice the blessing of Islamic system of governance. In one of the discussions in a gathering Zauqi Shah stated that "Now the world will not experience any peace till the arrival of Imam Mahdi (a.s). What is happening now (i.e. struggle for an Islamic state), we will see the result of this in 100 years. It is not the time to know how one will die, it is time to realize what one should do before death." Someone inquired "what do you think will happen to Pakistan?" Zauqi Shah replied "Pakistan is just a means to a greater end. Actually Pakistan will be no more in future, in fact the entire India will become an Islamic State. In ahadith it is stated that at the time of Imam Mahdi entire world will accept Islam and the real Pakistan will be then. At this time living in this world is a trial. Tranquility will be now only be achieved in grave, and that is only for those who performed good actions." The fulfillment of this vision shared by Hazrat Zauqi Shah makes perfect sense when understood in the light of an end of times hadith in which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ predicted the invasion of India: “There are two groups of my Ummah whom Allah will free from the Fire: The group that invades al-Hind (India), and the group that will be with 'Isa bin Maryam, peace be upon him.'" (Sunan An Nasai – Kitab Al Jihad 3175) As per many scholars of Islam this end of times event will be called Ghazwa e Hind (the Battle of India). The fulfillment of this hadith seems very likely with what is happening in India with Hindu nationalist party called BJP in power. BJP is associated with right wing Hindu militant group RSS whose inspiration comes from Nazis. Under BJP regime there are ever increasing attacks against Muslims inside India, in occupied Kashmir, even calls for Muslim genocide and India has become a threat to regional Muslim countries. A possible Muslim genocide in India might cause Pakistanis to demand their rulers to take action against India. A failure of the Pakistani liberal nationalist elite might intensify the existing friction resulting in civil war situation providing India a pretext to invade Pakistan, something which the BJP regime longs for. If India makes that mistake then that is when a big armed Jihad will begin by Muslims of this region against India, which will end in the conquest of Al Hind. Once the entire India comes to be ruled by Islam, only then the purpose for which Pakistan was created will be fulfilled. References: From Jinnah to Zia, by Muhammad Munir Chief Justice Pakistan (Retd.) http://www.sanipanhwar.com/From%20Jinnah%20to%20Zia%20by%20Muhammad%20Munir%20Chief%20Justice%20Pakistan%20.pdf Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly Address, Mr. Jinnah's presidential address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan August 11, 1947 http://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/legislation/constituent_address_11aug1947.html Peter Blood, ed. Pakistan: A Country Study. Washington: GPO for the Library of Congress, 1994. http://countrystudies.us/pakistan/ ParveenUsmani, . “Origin of The All India Muslim League.” IOSR Journal of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) , vol. 23, no. 2, 2018, pp. 37-40. https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol.%2023%20Issue2/Version-4/E2302043740.pdf Jinnah’s Visions of Pakistan – Dr. Safdar Mahmood, Yasira Waqar, Pakistan Journal of History and Culture, Vol. XXXV, No. I (2014) http://www.nihcr.edu.pk/Latest_English_Journal/pjhc%2035-1,%20(2014)%20Final%2022.6.15/1%20Jinnah%20final,%20Dr%20safdar.pdf All India Jam’iyyat Ulama-i-Islam: Religio-Political Activism and Pakistan Movement (1945-1947) Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences (PJSS) Vol. 35, No. 1 (2015), pp. 249-259 https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.712.4315&rep=rep1&type=pdf Allama Sahabbir Ahmed Uthmani’s Efforts for Islamization in Pakistan Al-Idah 32 (June. 2016) http://religion.asianindexing.com/images_religion/9/9b/Al-Idah_32_1_24.pdf The Role of Ulema and Mashaikh in the Pakistan Movement, K. M. Chaudhary and N. Irshad, Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, (2005), 3(1-2): 33-36 http://www.pjlss.edu.pk/pdf_files/2005_1%20&%202/PJLSS_2005_33-36.pdf Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Pir Amin-ul Hasanat of Manki Sharif, Abasyn, Israj Khan, Toheeda Begum, Journal of Social Sciences. Vol.4 No.2, http://ajss.abasyn.edu.pk/admineditor/papers/V4I2-8.pdf Tribute to Amir e Millat, September 06, 2016, The Nation https://nation.com.pk/06-Sep-2016/tribute-to-amir-i-millat MOHAMMAD ABDUL LATIF, PIR OF ZAKORI SHARIF, By PIR KIFAYAT ULLAH JAN ZAKORI, PAKISTAN STUDY CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR, SESSION: 2009-2011 Jinnah: Secular or Islamist? By TALHA MUJADDIDI, PKKH EXCLUSIVE, Friday, 18 September 2009, Interview with Saleena Karim, author of a most important book on Quaid-e-Azam, “Secular Jinnah: Munir’s Big Hoax Exposed”. http://allurdubooks.blogspot.com/2010/12/jinnah-secular-or-islamist-munirs-big.html THE TESTAMENT OF MR JINNAH 1876-1948, Excerpts from Dawn Archives, The Father of the Nation laid to rest, Dawn, Monday September 17, 2017, https://s3.amazonaws.com/inma-awards uploads/C7DDA15256FBE69B0301C7D4BA9E20BB.pdf |
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