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Saturday, February 18, 2012

Islam is a secular religion

It is one of the most debated subject among religious scholars. According to closed minds secularism is anti-Islamic and a creed of non believers. According to my opinion it is not anti-Islamic. It stands for an attitude of toleration and moderation in a multi-religion society. Most of the societies in the modern world are multi-religious and therefore can only thrive on democracy and secularism. Secularism allows human beings to make decisions in the light of their own collective experience, wisdom and experience. The state is a developed form of human civilization and its principals have been devised in the light of changing living conditions, varying thought processes and ever evolving circumstances of time and space and according to this concept the state does not follow some particular creed, religion of a group. Therefore secularism is not an anti-religious concept. It is in essence a multi-religious concept. It means that state should follow the policy of non-interference in the religious affairs of its citizens. Muslims are living in many non-Muslim countries and their mosques exist side by side with other places of worship. No body stops them from going to mosques and perform their religious duties. This situation has become possible because of secularism that exists in those countries. Imagine if Christian theocracy is imposed in Europe and Hindu theocracy is implemented in India what will happen to the Muslims living in those countries. This must be understood by those Muslims of Pakistan who want to establish a theocracy in this land. It will breed intolerance and hatred among different sections of society and the life will not remain worth living. Taliban think on the same lines and the result is obviously known to every Pakistni. Militancy is the result of theocratic thoughts and derogative ideas. Islam does not believe in theocracy. Quran teaches tolerance, patience and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) has taught the same lesson throughout his life. His last sermon in Mecca underscores the tolerance of other religions and creeds. His famous agreement which called Meesaq-e-Madina is also a manifestation of secular character of Islam.

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