| May 15, 2003 | Thursday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 12, 1424 |
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Ties with Moscow
WHILE celebrating Eid-Milad-un-Nabi we must ponder the Quranic observation that “assuredly there is for you in the messenger of Allah an excellent pattern to follow.” Let us on this day search our souls to see whether we as individuals and a collectivity (Ummah) are following his Sunnah and how far we have strayed away from his Seerat. In his view, the faithful are like a body, so that if one limb aches or ails the whole organism is disturbed and gathers itself to defend. In more specific terms, he stressed the principle that a Muslim was a brother to another Muslim, who neither oppresses him nor refrains from going to his aid in distress. Unfortunately, if we survey the scene in the Muslim world today, we see it riven by numerous factions and divisions when the need for unity and fraternity is paramount. Divisive forces are at work in the shape of sectarianism, narrow nationalism. territorial ambitions and historical animosities. These schisms are being fed and fostered by our foes to keep the Ummah divided and weakened.
Although Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi is indeed an occasion for rejoicing and celebration, the teachings of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) emphasize that a more befitting homage to his memory is to follow him in words and deeds. He was not a philosopher in the abstract sense nor was his an academic exercise. There are numerous lessons in his life that we must learn and live by. Let us first see in the light of the Holy Quran the place and position of the Prophet vis-a-vis the Muslims. It enjoins clearly that “if you differ in anything yourself refer it to Allah and His Messenger”. Not only that, it goes further to emphasize the point in these words: “Nay by the Lord they will not (really) believe until they make thee a judge of what is in dispute among them and find no dislike of what thou decides and submit with full submission.” It says “those who believed in him (Muhammad) respected him, helped him and followed the Holy Quran (the light sent down with him) they are the successful”. The call for conviction, obedience and action in this context is clear.
Today, when we demonstrate our devotion to and affection for the Prophet, we must search our hearts to determine whether we try to mould our character and conduct according to his preaching and practice. He showed by personal example that Islam was a natural, perfect and practical religion providing guidance for all problems, individual and collective. The irony is that while we do not tire of repeating that Islam is not a mere religion in the conventional sense but a complete code of life, we have virtually confined it to the pulpit of the mosque instead of making it a way of life in every sphere. The most striking quality of the Prophet’s leadership was its all-embracing content. His response to the most serious challenges on a spiritual plane is as instructive and inspiring as in matters mundane, for Islam recognises no such watertight compartments or invidious distinctions. It will be appropriate to recall two or three such instances which are relevant for the Millat in its present predicament. First and foremost, the way he resolved tribal conflicts and warded off impending challenges by drawing up the Treaty of Madina that reflected hikmat of the highest order. He convened a general meeting of the population and suggested that in order to contain internecine feuds and to keep external aggressors at bay it was desirable to enter into what was virtually a “confederal compact” and constitute the city-state of Madina. This document, still preserved in writing, constitutes the basis of statecraft at its best. Similarly, the integration between Mohajirs and Ansars was a masterpiece of the art of reconciliation. The pact and peace of Hudaibyah, though apparently a one-sided compromise, was in fact a prelude to the conquest of Makkah and a turning point in the history of Islam.
The last sermon pronounced by the “Seal of Prophets” (Peace be upon him) has been rightly hailed as the charter for humanity. It contains the quintessence of Islamic teachings and should serve as the bedrock of a truly Islamic society. It lays emphasis on the sanctity and inviolability of life as well as property, on the renunciation of revenge and, above all, on the concept of unity and equality. He thus knocked down deeply-entrenched notions of tribal, racial and parochial divisions. His accent on moderation and the middle path was meant as a caution against extremism in any form. If Muslims want to recapture their past glory and make their due contribution to the advancement of knowledge, which is power, the fractures in Muslim social life must go. The Holy Prophet demonstrated how a man can live a fuller life without becoming a recluse. If each and every action in one’s life is performed with a sense of accountability to the Lord on the Day of Judgment, the difference between the religious and the secular disappears and life becomes one harmonious whole.
ONE could not agree more with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov’s statement that his country and Pakistan shared a commonality of goals in “the current uneasy world situation.” In a message on the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Mr Ivanov listed the fight against terrorism and religious extremism amongst the goals which Moscow shared with Islamabad. Similar feelings were expressed by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri at a seminar organized by the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs. Even though they have a history of mistrust dating back to the fifties, Pakistan and Russia now seem to be realizing the need for opening a new chapter in their relations. In the post-cold war era, Pakistan and Russia have no disputes that should still keep them apart. The painful Afghan chapter in their relationship is behind them, while both Moscow and Islamabad remain committed to rebuilding the post-Taliban Afghanistan under the leadership of Hamid Karzai. The visit by President Musharraf to Moscow last February was indeed part of a commendable effort by the two countries to improve their relations.
In the past, Russia has cooperated with Pakistan in many economic ventures, including oil exploration and the establishment of the Pakistan Steel. Moscow has also helped Islamabad in its space programme. The two countries would do well to concentrate on developing a closer economic relationship and help consolidate peace in south-west Asia. Russia has a vital stake in Central Asia. Of late, it has felt concerned about the rise of religious extremism in this area. Pakistan would do well to address Russian concerns on this score and cooperate with Moscow and the Central Asian states in the fight against terrorism. In the aftermath of the Iraq war, Russia along with France and Germany feels justifiably concerned over the frightening rise in American chauvinism. Russia may not be a superpower now, but it has the potential to become one in the foreseeable future. Pakistan, thus, would do well to be on friendly terms with Russia.