Religious understanding

Speaking about the portal director of the site Imtiaz Sheikh,says,“The main aim of launching the Marathi version of the site was to reach out to a larger audience in our own home state of Maharashtra. While the English site has gotten responses from people around the world we felt the need to reach out to common man in order to spread the real teachings of Islam. More than that we wanted everyone to know the truths that Islam really propagates unlike the negativity generated around the religion.”

The website features interesting topics like the life history of prophet Muhammad,frequently asked questions about the religion,and a host of other forums wherein the members can partake in various discussions. Giving more information about it,Aziz Moinuddin says,“The website basically aims at addressing all Indians and showcasing to them the fact that Islam does not harbour hatred against anyone. It is true that certain hardliners have misinterpreted the religion for their own selfish means and have caused a great deal of havoc,not only in the country bout the world over. We aim to correct these misinterpretations through our portal.”

The website also includes a column wherein it deal with issues like what exactly is Jihad,the life and times of the Prophet,the reasons behind certain laws in Islam and the views that Islam holds against homosexuality. In addition to this there is a special dedicated section to the role of women in Islam,the practise behind wearing burkhas,and the rights of women in an Islamic society. It also deals with the topic of polygamy,Islamic fundamentalism,terrorism and violence and the views of the sect regarding other religions faiths and belief.

Another topic of discussion that has generated a lot of interest is the Sharia law,its interpretation over the ages and its relevance in today’s modern societies. Telling more about the same Aziz says,“The Sharia law is the body of Islamic religious law that are laid down by the Prophet in order to interpret the various behavioural norms for society and individuals. The laws that are laid down ironically have been misinterpreted by extremists for the wrong reasons. Basically according to these laws both men and women have been accorded equal status and rights in terms of modern day societal norms. Infact the various facets of Islamic laws find relevance and reference in the judicial systems of western countries as well.

The site received a lot of hits post the attacks in Mumbai last year. Speaking about it Sheikh says,“A primary reason as to why the site received so many responses was because people in general were curious to know what exactly were the reasons behind this so-called jihad. The way we interpret jihad in the Quran is that it is a struggle for the betterment of ones own self,and to find the real meaning of ones existence. It is a different issue that the concept has been used to brainwash and mislead scores of younger Muslims.”

“In summation all I can say is that the religion doesn’t teach anyone to perpetuate hatred nor does it teach anyone to bear atrocities or injustice. So is the case with Islam and as far as we believe following an honest path,being true to oneself and respecting others is the way of life for one and all,” adds Moinuddin.