[Dr. Farhat Hashmi's exclusive interview by Abiya Ahmed, Department of English, American University of Sharjah]
Introduction
(by Jaihoon)
Change is essential for the continuity of humanity on earth. And for such a purpose, every society has bred reformers whenever the situation has demanded them.
A quick look through the history of Islamic history reveals to us interesting facts. When the philosophers began to strike at the fundamentals of faith, Imam Al Gazzali was born. When materialism was raising its head in the hearts of Muslims, Rumi came to the rescue. And towards the beginning of 20th century, when atheistic western education began to lure the eyes of Ummah, Allama Iqbal was the answer.
In persons big and small, the signs of bringing change has appeared every now and then. Sometimes it is an intellectual giant. Sometimes a political activist. Sometimes a spiritual master. Sometimes… But not all times, especially in the recent times, bringing about change has been a peaceful process. Misguided aspirants send the wrong signals, claiming innocent lives in the name of reformation.
And it is in this context that Jaihoon appreciates the peaceful efforts of the ‘reformer’ from the Indian subcontinent. With all the humility of a true scholar, she never asserts the title of a reformer for herself. Neither does she voice slogans of violence nor advocates use of physical force to bring about mental peace. She believes in persuasion, in the most appealing fashion.
Below are excerpts from an exclusive interview of Dr. Farhat Hashmi, a popular Islamic scholar from Pakistan. The interview was conducted by Abiya Ahmed, a young and dedicated student of Mass communications from the American University of Sharjah.
Q- Some Muslims these days are just Muslims by name. Their condition is saddening to the extent that they do not even bother praying. Why is this so?
A- Basically, the main problem is the lack of proper Islamic education and so many Muslims are unaware of the true meaning of Islam. Women, in particular are barley receiving normal education much less Islamic education. As a result, when they raise the next generation, they are not able to pass on good values and basic knowledge about Islam. As a result, a lot of Muslims grow up ignorant of what Islam requires of them. They adopt practices of other traditions at expense of their own.
Q- What would be the most effective way to have people realize the importance of Salah?
A- The first step would be to explain to people why they should pray. It is human nature to do things that benefit us and prayer should be taught in this context. For example, many people think that prayer wastes time, especially for those at work who have to take a break to pray. But when examined closely, prayer is means to clearing the mind and reflecting on Allah. When done correctly, it leaves us feeling recharged and at peace and this will positively affect our work. It is an excellent way of dealing with stressful situations. Besides the numerous benefits to man, prayer is a means of thanking Allah for the infinite blessings He has bestowed on us. I have prepared a tape on this topic – ‘What Prayer Teaches Us.’ Alhamdulilah, it has been very effective, not only in encouraging people to start praying, but also improve the way they pray.
Q- Some people are very conveniently under the false impression that the religious practices undertaken during Ramadan are just one-month activities. For example, they may start praying and reading the Holy Quran, girls will cover their hair, boys will go to the mosque and as Ramadan ends, so do these practices. Why is this so and according to you, how does one approach these people?
A- Muslims need to be taught the true significance of Ramadan. It should be seen as more than just another tradition we follow every year where we temporarily adhere to certain religious rituals. Ramadan is actually a training period to benefit us after the month is over. For example, if you train for a job in any field, it will only benefit you if you implement what you have learnt after the training is over. It is a time to gain spiritual nourishment, learn self-control, and use it as the impetus to become better Muslims. The problem today is that the spirit of Islam is not alive. Any ritual practiced without the spirit is ineffective. If we revive the spirit of Islam people will automatically begin to see the benefit in these rituals.
Q- Today’s scenario is such that children are more influenced by the mass media than the Holy Quran. Television, internet, movies and music have taken a front seat, pushing Zikr (Remembrance) of Allah (SWT) and the Prophet (PBUH) way back. How can mothers insulate their children from the ill effects of today’s media?
A- We have to provide alternatives for our children because all children need some kind of recreation. Previously, children would visit friends or play in the park. Now with the arrival of media entertainment together with the breakdown of communities and family relations, children see this as the only way to spend their leisure time. This has had serious implications for their general well being, and depression and feelings of isolation have become common. We need to revive the human aspect of society. For example, family relations carry a lot of importance in Islam. Visiting relatives gives the opportunity for human interaction, children will often have cousins to play, they will interact with different people and there will be a regular change in their surroundings. As a result, they will have less time to spend watching TV or sitting in front the computer. Also, we need to foster a desire to learn in our children and therefore we should encourage them to watch more educational programs like as seen on National Geographic. People are spending more and more time watching trivial things – and these programs have a powerfully negative impact on people. We can’t complain of increasing violence if we are immersed in watching it on a daily basis. Man by nature is inquisitive and there is so much to learn. If we use the media to learn useful things then it is time well spent. Islam recognizes the need for man to relax and enjoy himself but within the limits set by Allah. It is the responsibility of Muslims to create alternatives to mainstream entertainment.
Q- Many Muslim girls choose universities abroad for further education. In doing so, they spend a crucial 5 or 6 years there and are easily influenced by western values and culture which reflects in their behavior and communicative manner. Since these girls will be the wives and a mother of tomorrow, it is then highly unlikely that upbringing of their children would be according to the Islamic way of life. What do you think should be done to tackle this kind of a ‘chain-linked’ problem? How do you propose to approach it through Al Huda and your lectures?
A- There is no doubt that our environment influences us. Just as in summer we feel hot and in the winter we feel cold, our cultural environment also affects us. It is natural that one adopts the ways of the dominant culture unless you have a lot of inner strength and will power. Therefore it is important to develop strong Iman (faith) and the ability to differentiate between right and wrong. And this is only possible through the Quran.
At Al Huda, we try and reach out to young people at colleges and universities through our lectures. Also, we have a one-year diploma course for understanding and learning the Quran that begins after the summer break. These days it is common for students to take time off after high school to try different things before carrying on with their further education. The course was designed specifically for these types of students so that they could develop a sound understanding of their religion by studying the Quran, and learn to love their deen. By this, inshallah, we hope they will become better equipped to tackle life’s problems in light of Islam.
Q- What would you suggest are some of the most appropriate careers (if any) that a Muslim women can take up that would suit her nature, serve her community and at the same time, not become a hurdle in the practice of Deen (religion)?
A- I wouldn’t want to name any particular career options – there are so many opportunities available. You cannot make a law telling people what to do and what not to do. Everyone has different skills and an aptitude for different things. I would say that every woman must learn to recognize her own abilities and assess her own circumstances and at the same time understand the limits set by Islam. Whichever field fulfils both the requirements of the individual as well as Islam, then that would be the appropriate career.
Q- Besides the fact that you wish to serve Allah (SWT) and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), is there any other reason or inspiration that lead to your desire to serve the community in this manner?
A- Yes, my parents and my teachers had a tremendous impact on me and I am very grateful to them. Moreover, it is the Quran that inspired me. My father taught me the Quran with translation and consequently I read it on my own. But I find that the more I read it and teach it to others the more my inspiration becomes stronger. It is just such a powerful Book that the more time I spend with it, the more it impacts my life and makes me grow as a person.
Q- This is with particular reference to teenagers. This is an age which people are most easily influenced. Upbringing, the type of company and of course individual efforts all play important roles. Alhamdulilah for those who grow up to realize that Islam is a way of life. But for those who do not grasp the meaning of Islam and do not make efforts to understand and follow the word of Allah (SWT), what would you say to them?
A- Those who live without recognizing their Creator have a huge vacuum in their lives. It would be a tragedy to leave this world without experiencing the pleasure of connecting with the Quran. Do they not believe that they will meet their Lord? It is certain that our final return is to Him, so have we prepared for this? It is the responsibility of each individual to seek out the truth. If we are living here, without acknowledging our Creator and His word then we are the losers. We create a spiritual void in our lives and we hinder the peace and blessings of Allah from reaching us – in this world and in the next. So I would strongly urge everyone to think about this try and live his or her life accordingly.
Abiya adds: Dr. Farhat Hashmi acquired her initial education in her hometown and simultaneously acquired Quranic education from her father. She received her MA in Arabic and was married shortly afterwards. Both she and her husband proceeded to the University of Glasgow, Scotland, for their PhD in Islamic Studies.
Al-Huda International Welfare Foundation is the brainchild of Dr. Farhat and her husband, Dr. Idrees Zubair, actively involved in the promotion of Islamic education and the service of mankind. It aims to promote proper Islamic values on an educational and research-oriented basis, along with providing support to needy families, widows, orphans, students in need of financial aid and under-privileged patients
Dr. Farhat Hashmi is here in Dubai, for the complete translation and explanation of the Holy Quran during Ramadan. I recently had the pleasure of meeting her and conducting an interview on 21st Nov 2002.
