Spirit of Islam, Mar 2015

FOLLOWERS of the previous Prophets, during the period of their degeneration indulged in a form of corruption that the Quran refers to as ‘muzahat’. (THE QURAN 9: 30) The literal meaning of ‘muzahat’ is ‘imitation’. That is to say, adopting irreligious ways and practices by giving them a religious name. For instance, consider the practice of worshipping nature instead of the worship of God. To be influenced by this practice and adopt it by labelling it as following the traditions of one’s forefathers is ‘muzahat’. One form of ‘muzahat’ could be called ‘Religious imitation’. All the practices of bidaat or innovation in religion are a part of ‘Religious imitation’. Bidaat does not mean the practices that have been created anew. Bidaat in fact is to take the irreligious practices of others and adopt them by giving them religious sanction. Another form of muzahat that is apparent in the present times on a large scale, could be referred to as ‘Political imitation’. For example, taking some practices of secular parties and organisations and adopting them as a religious obligation by giving them an Islamic name. Thus, for instance Muslims today use the method of protest on a very wide scale. Without any doubt whatsoever, this is ‘Political innovation’ or ‘Political imitation’. To stage protests and demonstrations, to issue statements of protest, to organize conferences to protest against this or that, to take out protest rallies, to call for strikes and to raise slogans in protest; such actions done in the name of Islamic cause, are all forms of ‘Political imitation’. Protesting is a method of secularism. It is not the method of Islam. At the time of the Prophet Muhammad, the Kabah in Makkah had been practically turned into a place where polytheism was practiced. The Prophet did not protest against this. Likewise, for 13 years of the Prophet’s life in Makkah, he and his Companions had to face all sorts of oppression. Yet, he did not protest against this either. He was subjected to social boycott, he and his Companions were compelled to leave their homeland, but here also he did not protest. RELIGIOUS IMITATION, POLITICAL IMITATION Corruption in Religion