ASK MAULANA

Islamic teachings state that Muslims have no right to declare a person or a community as kafir. This matter is God’s domain. The duty of Muslims is only to treat others as human beings. Everyone wants freedom to make their own choices. Does Islam permit its followers to do so? The first clause of Islam is that every person has been bestowed freedom of choice by the Creator. Whether a person is making the right or wrong use of freedom shall be decided by God. No person has the right to make this decision for another. What kind of education does Islam recommend? According to Islam, education is of two types: religious and secular. Religious education is the need of every believer. Secular education has a universal domain and is thus the need of the entire human society. Islam accepts the importance of both these forms of education and leaves it to people to organise these two aspects of their education. In the area of attire, especially women, it is said Islam has a strict code. This is not practical today. For instance, how can one expect a tennis player like Sania Mirza to be clad in a burqah while playing? What are your views on this? Freedom is the right of both men and women. The burqah is not part of Islamic teaching. It was innovated in the later period of Muslim history. It is ridiculous to demand that Sania Mirza should play in a burqah. Many great singers, accomplished musicians and lyricists, are Muslims. Still, it is often said that Islam prohibits music. Could you clarify this? Music is not prohibited in Islam and is a matter of personal choice. It is a hobby and everyone can choose his or her hobby. Sharia law does not ban music. What is the Sharia law? Can it be revised as per the times and circumstances? There is a Sharia (law) in Islam. Muslims are not required to implement the Sharia by force. It is a matter of option and not a matter of implementation. In this context, the word “revision” is inappropriate.