By DR. M. A. HAQUE

During past few decades strong hatred campaign has been launched against the Muslims the world over. Sometimes it is done by bringing the name of Al-Qaeda, sometimes that of Taliban and so on. The crux of the issue has been to spread the allegation that Muslims all over the world are causing problems. In general all Muslims are being branded as terrorists or supporters of terrorism. Who are the people behind these campaigns are well known. Intentions behind these campaigns are also understood by many but not all.

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. During the last few decades it is growing at the rate of about 250%. No other religion is growing so fast. Christianity, for which largest numbers of people are working and for propagating the religion huge amount of money is being spent, is far behind. More importantly, Islam is spreading fast even in USA, Europe etc. where Muslim organizations have no substantial base and where Muslims in general are in minority and also poor and having no influence. Another important aspect of this development is that women in large numbers are embracing Islam.

Obviously, many people are frightened of this development. Politicians are frightened because they know that women can play crucial role in changing the society. As mothers they can change the thinking of the entire families. Business tycoons are afraid because they know that growing influence of Islam can adversely affect their business and profits. For example, alcohol business is one of the most lucrative. Alcohol is not permitted by Islam and in general Muslims abstain from alcoholism, except a very small percentage of Muslims. For that matter alcohol is not permitted in Christianity, Hinduism etc. as well. But followers of those religions are either not aware of the same or tend to do so. Similarly, use of narcotics is strictly prohibited in Islam. Some scholars go to the extent of saying that use of narcotics is slow suicide. Suicide is ‘Haraam’ in Islam. Islam has ideal dress codes for males and females. It prohibits its followers to dress in ways which are meant to attract and arouse the opposite sex or to show off affluence. Today, the entire fashion and the dress market are revolving around these concepts. If Islam spreads, many types of businesses will collapse. Obviously, the west will lose so much.

Islam does not permit extravagancy. Qur’an says: Eat and drink, but waste not by indulging in excesses. Surely, Allah does not approve of the intemperate. (Part 7, Paragraph 31). If Islam spreads, consumerism will find difficulty in surviving. It would mean less business and less profit for the west. Islam does not encourage rich to become richer and poor to become poorer. There is ‘Zakaat’ in Islam so that the wealth does not get cornered by few people. Islam does not permit inequality. In Islam every Muslim has the same social stature irrespective of his position or wealth. Live examples can be seen in the mosques or during Hajj. There is no place for caste system or superiority of race in Islam.

All these concepts of Islam challenge the prevalent trends. Somewhere it is the caste system or the race superiority that differentiates between people and lastly it is the wealth that divides people. In all the cases those who are disadvantaged are exploited. For example, the entire slavery market of past flourished on these grounds. Today it has taken different shape. One form of the same is the sex market. Women from poor and weak backgrounds are invariably the victims.

Obviously people who are benefiting and making huge sums of money from these activities are against anything which may hamper their profits and associated benefits. Presently, Islam is the only force which can challenge the ‘prevalent system’. So, Islam is being opposed tooth and nail. Anything connected to Islam is also being opposed. For example, if a Jew or a Sikh sports beard, no one objects. But if a Muslim has beard, he is considered fundamentalist and even a terrorist. If a nun covers herself from head to toe, she is revered as a true devotee. When Muslim women do the same they are branded as backward and oppressed. When a western women stays at home to look after her house and kids she is respected for sacrificing her freedom. If a Muslim woman does the same, she needs to be ‘liberated’. Today, a girl can go to university wearing what she likes or wearing almost nothing. No one objects. But when a Muslim girl wears a Hijab she is prevented from entering the university.

These are just few examples. You can find innumerable other examples. But we need not worry. This is just a reaction in terror by those who are terrified by the spread of Islam and its influence.