Muslims Paying Heavily for Forgetting 'Mubahila'

Legacy of Mubahila 

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Muslims are paying a very heavy price for ignoring the importance of Eid-e-Mubahila. After Paris blasts, the entire world is trying to project Islam as a religion that preaches violence and encourages its followers to kill innocent people. Though the French government or the Christian community at large has exhibited a restrained and balance reaction to the terrorist attack, it cannot be denied that the tragic episode is being perceived as a ‘war’ between Christianity and Islam. The air strikes on the suspected hideouts of Islamic State (IS) as a sequel to Paris blasts is a pointer to the fact. But will it produce the desired results or lead to elimination of ‘Jihadis” is highly debatable. Apparently, France and her allies are resorting to heavy bombarding to avenge the killing of innocent people but they are also trying to project that the democratic, civilized and liberalized nations dominated by Christians can’t be taken for granted.

Amidst reports that about 40 Muslim nations have been funding IS and it is the richest terrorist outfit of the world, followers of Islam are also rightly condemning Paris blasts. Two Muslim nations have also offered their air-stripes made available to France for launching aerial offensive against IS. The gesture of Muslim nations seems to be very good. But it is also a time for the heads of these nations to ponder as to why Islam has emerged as a synonym for terrorism? Why are they considered to be stooge of some powerful nations? How British, French and other European nations were able to control and exploit their resources, especially oil. The introspection would let them know how severely they have suffered by distancing themselves from the path of Prophet and his family.

They need to remember that it was a Christian delegation that had agreed to pay tax to Muslims to continue to profess their faith and avoided discussion with the Prophet after agreeing to it. They backed out the moment they saw Prophet Hazrat Muhammad and his companions namely Bibi Fatima, Hazrat Ali and their children Hasan and Hussain. The priest heading the  delegation warned members of his community to avoid discussion with the holy five. His exclamatory words were “ I am witnessing such shining and pious faces that if they prayed even the mountains will be razed.” His words echo the power of the character of Prophet and his progeny. It was this character that resulted in the tremendous popularity of Islam and its emergence as a powerful faith of true followers. The image of Islam remained such so long as Muslims followed the traditions of prophet and his progeny. But things changed drastically when those elements surfaced again who had cowed down before the prophet. These power-hungry neo-converts reintroduced almost all what was prohibited by Prophet. As a result, the tragedy of Karbala took place. It drew a permanent line of distinction between true and fake Islam, led to the ouster of Umayyad and enthronement of Abbasids on the plea of avenging the pious blood of Imam Hussain. But how these Abbasids persecuted followers of Ahle-bait more than the Umayyad is a well-known fact of the history. Their fascination for luxury is also not a hidden fact. Heads of Muslim nations in the 21^st century is somewhat similar to Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs. They rarely make attempt to preach Islam the way it was revealed and practised by Prophet and his Ahle-Bait. They do so to protect their kingdoms, knowing very well that Islam rejects heredity and encourages selection of the leader. They adopt a policy to use false propaganda against Karbala revolution, for its was there Imam Hussain had laid down his life for saving democratic and human values.They also fund terrorist outfits to attack Muharram processions and Pakistan is worst example of sectarian violence.By doing so they try to prolong their rule and pay little attention to character building.As a result,they have affluence but a very disappointing young generation.They offer prayers regularly but make little effort to excel in science,technology and other studies.This has resulted in their reliance on western world and Muslim nations in the process have literally know say in world affairs.What a shame?They are bowing their heads to those whose ancestors  had refrained themselves from even discussion with what to say about the prophet but even his little grandsons.Alas! they had not forgotten the event of Mubahila. This would have helped them remember that it was not material wealth or knowledge but the shining character of the prophet and his family that had brought glory to Islam without the use of weapon.It is still not too late for Muslims to act upon Hussaini philosophy.In the current scenario,they must realize that they can restore their lost glory by following the teachings of Prophet and Masoomeen.