In the current situation when anti-Islamic forces have combined for “mission maligning Islam,” many of its virtues are silently adopted or accepted by non-Muslims all over the world. What good Muslims could have done to reflect the true spirit of Islam – a model character and modest conduct as envisaged and repeatedly advised by last Messenger of God Muhammad (pbuh), the faith itself is unfolding before non-Muslims in a salient prodigy. If you earn respect as a Muslim, then truly you have succeeded defining the spirit of Islam for the mankind. I am not expressing hollow sentimentality for my own faith but only reacting to trends as evident in these pictures.
I could not resist taking picture of this Sale stand in Costco stores in Chicago. While many Muslim girls and women consider wearing a Dupatta (a single piece of cloth covering the bosoms), new fashion trends among non-Muslims are adopting it as a modest wear to keep the beauty and dignity of a woman. What is prescribed for Muslim women in Islam for modesty in wear is becoming a fashion among non-Muslims.
I worked for Air India for a long time and happened to handle Hajj flights departing from Mumbai and Hyderabad airports. I still remember many Hindus coming to airport and giving money to Hajj pilgrims and requesting them to distribute it as alms in Makkah. Why would they do that? It was a respect earned by the symbolic devotion of pilgrims leaving for Hajj.
Have you been through Mumbai’s new airport recently? Mumbai’s new airport is a class of its own among world airports. In fact it can be included among the few best world airports now. If you visit any washroom in Mumbai’s new airport, you will see a separate room for “Wadhu”. The room has a shower and facility for Muslims to do ablution as required before prayers. Hats off to my Hindu brothers who thought about it. I have visited Lahore airport and I saw many travelers doing ablution on a conventional wash basin! I was reminded of this “Wadhu” room exclusive facility for Muslims in Mumbai airport.
The social media is fast becoming a tool linking diverse thoughts and cultures. A Hindu friend posted a picture on Facebook of a very old couple helping each other and advised youngsters to respect and obey parents when they are old. Immediately a comment was posted that it was the command of God first in Ten Commandments that “obey your parents” and repeated in Holy Quran more elaborately to respect and obey parents and take care of them when they are old.
The goodness is like a light in the darkness of ignorance. A good character is like light that shines all the time guiding others. A good Muslim is one who earns respect for being a good person in society.
Remember the old saying of famous philosopher George Bernard Shaw who said, “Islam is the best religion, Muslims are worst followers”. Today, Muslims need to ponder over why did he say so many years ago and the truth is, it is a fact even till this day.
Your comments? Please email sidakl@yahoo.com. A.Q. Siddiqui is a freelance writer who has his own travel firm
A.Q. Siddiqui
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