BJP suspended Nupur Sharma only under economic threat

[ummtaalib]

The Prophet Muhammad (Eternal Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him)

 

For Muslims, there is a level of love, reverence and respect for their holy Prophet (peace be upon him), the similitude of which is well-nigh impossible to find. A love not born out of blind fanaticism, but rather out of a careful study and evaluation of him. A man whose selfless devotion and dedication, all-encompassing generosity, mercy and compassion for his fellow man cannot but instil a sense of awe and love in all those who study his life.

 

Human beings by their very nature, seek out role models, people of worth and value who they can strive to emulate. This nature brings out the best in us or the worst, depending on our choices. Current media idolises and sensationalises individuals who though beautiful in appearance and appealing in their lifestyles, are almost completely bereft (barring an almost non-existent minority) of morality and upright human values. The result of this is now glaring by the social crises of promiscuity and immorality that have gripped our community.

 

In contrast to this, the Almighty announces about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “Indeed in the messenger of God is the most excellent of examples.” (Al-Quran Chapter 33 Verse 21)

 

The life of Muhammad (peace be upon him) had to be truly remarkable for the Almighty to designate him as Mankind’s supreme role model. His life had to be all-encompassing, giving guidance to Man in every sphere of life. Whether in public or private, whether at home or in the market, whether in peace and prosperity or in war and hardship, his life had to be a source of inspiration for all men. Did Muhammad (peace be upon him) fulfil this daunting task? Was his life worthy of being recognised as the most excellent example for man to follow? Consider the following words of Mahatma Gandhi, the famous Indian icon:

 

“I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind.... I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the second volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of that great life.” (Mahatma Gandhi, statement published in 'Young India,'1924)

 

In stark contrast to the words of India’s freedom-fighting hero were the derogatory utterances against the Prophet Muhammad by the BJP spokesperson, Nupur Sharma. Under economic threat by the Gulf countries, the BJP government has suspended Sharma and has labelled her as a fringe element even though she served for the last two years as their national spokesperson. 

 

The BJP also issued the following statement, “The BJP strongly denounces insults of any religious personalities of any religion. The BJP is also against any ideology which insults or demeans any sect or religion. The BJP does not promote such people or philosophy.”

 

No one should be fooled by this empty statement. Under India’s BJP government whose official ideology (titled: Hindutva) advocates for Hindu supremacy and seeks to transform India into a Hindu religious state, huge segments of the Hindu population have become increasingly racist and extremist. This has led to discrimination, hate campaigns and violence against India’s minorities which include Christians, Muslims and Sikhs.

 

The semblance between Hindutva and Hitler’s Nazism is striking and it is therefore not surprising that Haaretz published an article titled: The Rise and Rise of India’s Nazi-loving Nationalists. The article reveals the increasing admiration for Hitler among Indian Nationalists and exposes school textbooks published by the Gujarat State Board at the time when the current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat that portray Hitler as a hero and glorify fascism.

 

The reality is that the derogatory utterances of Nupur Sharma are completely in line with the BJP ideologies. The only reason that there is a backlash against the BJP is economic pressure. It is a replay of the Danish cartoon saga. The Danes defended their insulting cartoon despite international condemnation and massive protest on the pretext of freedom of speech. However, that principle swiftly eroded once the Muslim world boycotted Danish products. Shortly after the boycotts, apologies ensued.

 

The reality is that we are living in an unprincipled and immoral world which runs on self-serving agendas. Principles of justice, liberty and equality are relics of a bygone age. The only altar to which the powers of the world prostrate is the altar of money. Hence, what is in our control is the power of our personal funds. There is a power in an economic boycott and the suspension and forced apology of Nupur Sharma bears further testimony to this.

 

The love and reverence that every Muslim holds for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the conscience of all peace and justice-loving individuals is sufficient and ample motivation to support and be part of this economic boycott.

 

Executive Committee

Jamiatul Ulama KZN

 

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians