Arabs carried Islam to various communities over 1,000 years ago in a peaceful and non-confrontationist way. But in the last century it was replaced by Saudi Salafism, which was aggressive.
- Egyptian scholar Dr Nasr Muhammad Arif
His thoughts are based on the following ;-
* Calls for promotion of indigenous varieties of Islam prevailing in non-Arabic countries to resist the
process of Arabisation that seeks to impose a monolithic form of the religion.
* The Arabs carried Islam to various communities more than one thousand years ago in a peaceful
and non-confrontationist way. But in the last century it was replaced by Saudi Salafism, which was
aggressive and disrespectful of local traditions. The scholar believes that the change occurred due to
the influence of western or colonial ideology that divided human beings into superiors and inferiors.
* The Salafi creed propagated by Saudi Arabia was completely insensitive to local culture and traditions.
* Islam only prescribes that the body should be properly covered. But the Saudi Salafis insist that Muslims
should wear their dress. People in South East Asia like colourful things but Salafis want black abaya.
* He further reiterates, "I'm coming from a society which allows the Maliki school of jurisprudence.
There, women need not cover their breasts when they are feeding babies which is unimaginable in
Saudi Arabia".
* "The Saudi Salafis looked down on the Muslims in traditional communities and think that they should
be re-introduced to Islam again".
* "When Muslims came to South East Asia, they adopted an architectural philosophy that was eco-
friendly. They constructed the ceiling of mosques like a pyramid taking into consideration the rainy
season but later it was replaced by the Arabian style of flat roof. Thus, the local culture and tradition
were completely sidelined and an Arabian culture was imposed".
* The only way out is to de-Arabise society and return to traditional Islam.
* "I'm told that there are several Islamic scholars in Kerala whose books are taught in Al Azhar
University. I found a book where details of 6,149 Islamic scholars in Central Asia are given. There
are places where there is a rich intellectual tradition but people are inclined to look at Arabs as the
representatives of Islam".
* "India used to teach the whole world. The Darul Uloom in Lucknow was the publishing house for
Muslims all over the world. You're looking down on you with a belief that others are superior".
* "The practice of seeking fatwas from scholars outside the country is totally wrong because any
fatwa is conditional". Fatwa is a personlised one and cannot be generalised. Importing fatwas
can be dangerous.
My take
It's scholars like Dr Nasr Muhammad Arif who should be taken heed of to make the religion flexible
and people-friendly!
Tailpiece.
Got up at mu usual time, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.
A quiet but hot Saturday.
The evening chores.
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