Letters to the Editor

Q. Your work is really great but since September 11 attack on WTC, you are giving more attention towards articles related to news which are not very much required in this magazine (because we often read similar articles in daily newspapers).  I request you to include a column in your magazine which may be helpful for the young Muslims to spread Islam in an efficient manner.  

YMD

Your criticism is right. But we are passing through times of terrible turmoil. The future of Islam and Muslims in particular, and of the world in general, much depends on how the conflicts that have been generated by the West are resolved. Additionally, majority of our readers do not read much apart from the YMD. We therefore, feel that there is need for YMD to offer the right kind of news and analysis.

For example, read the gravity of the situation in a letter that appeared in the Arab News, the leading newspaper of Saudi Arabia (dt.25th May 04), written by one Robert Lind of USA:

“Along with new revealing photographs and the disclosure of another secret interrogation sit at Baghdad Airport, ABC news reported this evening that prisoners at Abu Gharib were forced to ‘praise Jesus.’

One prisoner with a broken leg testified that he was beaten on his fractured leg until he “agreed to curse Islam” and ‘praise Jesus.’ Although torture by US troops is now well established as routinely approved from the Pentagon, it is often forgotten that Christianity is essentially the leading philosophy behind the mistreatment.

George Bush labeled his ‘war on terror’ ‘a crusade’ and he meant a Christian Crusade against Islam. In this respect, President Bush’s tacit approval of torture of prisoners is simply an extension of his religious beliefs.

It is obvious that what Bush has in mind for the entire Middle East – the destruction of an entire culture and religion. If you don’t think he’s willing to bomb you back into the Stone Age, take a good look at Afghanistan and Iraq. Shock and Awe? Make no mistake, unless you stop him in Iraq, Bush will destroy you and your civilization.”

But, of course, your criticism remains, and we shall try to balance out the presentations. 

Q. I am an engineering student (B. Tech., CS & IT, College: SVITS, Mahaboobnagar, Andhra Pradesh) and in my class there are 65 students out of which only one girl is Muslim apart from me. I want to clear the misconceptions of the non-Muslims in my class about Islam and Muslims, but I can’t communicate properly with others because I did not have non-Muslim friends earlier. I also hesitate to speak with girls.  I keep a beard and my trousers are always above ankles. I need your guidance. Can I keep my trousers below ankles to avoid their strange looks at me?  Can I speak with girls face to face?  Please help me and understand my problem.

Muhammad Hasan Mohiuddin,
On Email

YMD

We cannot understand what your problem is and why your performance should be poor. As regards your failure at conversation, it is expected to improve with time. Also, there doesn’t seem to be any need to talk face to face with the girls. Talk to them what? Islam? But, have they asked you about Islam? If they haven’t, how can you start off a conversation on Islam? But rather, you should conduct yourself in a normal manner, and remain friendly with those you interact with. If they bring up the subject of Islam, you can offer clarifications. But if they do not, then you cannot dictate the topics of discussion in any gathering. If you become a preacher, talking about Islam whenever someone comes within your range of conversation, you will be circumvented and your company avoided.

You must understand that you might be eager about Islam, devotion to Allah, leading a pious life, etc., but not necessarily everyone around you is.

On your part, if you are true to Islam, and wish to be an effective Muslim, you must attempt, in parallel to your Engineering studies, a good study of Islam, giving it a good number of years. It is another thing that, at the moment, you need to concentrate on your college studies which will largely decide your future.

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