The Last Prophet of God i.e. Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him)

This blog is dedicated to the last Prophet of God i.e. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the greatest man that has ever lived on this planet, God Almighty testifies to it, the Jew testifies, the Christian testifies it and the Hindu testifies it too, as we shall shortly be seeing. He is also prophesied in the various world religious scriptures. He prophesied many things 1400 years ago which today have come True. All these evidences prove that he is indeed a True Prophet of God and a mercy to the whole of human kind. Accept him and his teachings and be benefitted

"We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not." (Quran 34:28)

The Quran says

If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).(Quran 3:85)


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Note : Only those articles which are with my name are penned by me.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Caste System and Islam

By

Shais


This article will deal with the Hindu caste system. This article will also show how Islam honors human beings regardless of their race, cast or color. This article is not to undermine Hinduism and its teachings. Many Hindus themselves reject caste system. Many reformers of Hinduism like Raja Ram Mohan Roy etc. spoke against caste system. Many Hindus do not follow it today and thoroughly reject it.


Hindu society according to caste system is divided in several castes. A Hindu is born in a caste and dies as a member of that caste. As caste is determined by birth, one can never move from one caste to another.These castes are not equal in status. The order of superiority is

  1. Brahmins
  2. Kshatriyas
  3. Vaishyas
  4. Sudras

There are other castes like Dalit etc. Dalits are the lowest. They are called the ‘untouchables’ meaning they cannot touch members of other caste because their touch would pollute them.


However this caste system has been abolished in many parts of the Hindu society specially among the educated people but it still continues in many villages.



How Islam honors all Human beings


Islam brought this system of equality more than 1400 years ago when Mankind was living in darkness and ignorance.

In Islam, all human beings are honored regardless of their race, color or cast. No human being is looked down upon in Islam because of these reasons. The only criterion of superiority in the eyes of Allah is Taqwa (God consciousness, piety, righteousness). The Holy Qur’an says


“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Qur’an 49:13)

“We have honoured the sons of Adam;” (Quran 17:70)


If you are a human being, you are honored in Islam, regardless of your color, race or language.

In Islam, variation of color and languages is considered as a sign of Allah. The Qur’an says


“And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know.” (Quran 30:22)


Our beloved Prophet (pbuh) told us in his farewell sermon

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.” (Farewell sermon of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) )


What a beautiful message this is for the whole of human kind.

Islam also teaches us equality of human beings in the matter of religion. When we stand for prayers we stand shoulder to shoulder. Regardless whether the person is rich or poor, king of pauper, master of slave. Black or yellow, brown or white, we all stand shoulder to shoulder and show practical example of universal brotherhood.


Hajj (Pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah) is also obligatory once in the life time of every Muslim, those who can afford it. There, men are dressed up in 2 peaces of unsown cloth which is mostly white. One cannot identify the person standing next to him whether he is rich or poor. People from all parts of the world gather together. This is the most beautiful example of universal brotherhood and equality.


May Allah guide us all!


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