Thanks for your email though I am little late in replying. First of all I am glad that a platform is created for secular ideas in Miraj because of the views so clearly and cogently expressed by Shri Yadwade. He is a really original thinker and a seeker of truth.
I am sorry that I could not go through the books u gave me except for the complete glance during my travel from Miraj to Pune. But if u can we can discuss them chapter by chapter on phone as I did Shri Yadwade's book.
First about my views about Islam before reading the boks -- that is today. I have a thought about the evolution of religion. In my opinion any scientific discovery leads to its application for some production -- that requires a process -- a set of system about how actions will be done in what sequence etc. So I don't denounce any KARMAKAND outright , but I don't follow it in toto.. But this is MY method. Many people find it convenient to follow. Gradually, The thinking goes out of it. After decades, it starts becoming oppressive. Then someone appears and says " throe away, we need not be oppressed by them " . People like it and start accepting the leadership of that person.
This is what Krishna did in Bhagawadgita (about Arjuna's worry of "Varnasankar", this is what Buddha did in opposing the system of Bali and preached Ahimsa, this is what Jesus and Paigambar did against the then oppressive rulers. This is what shankaracharya did against the ills that had crept up by distortions in Buddhism. This is what Gandhiji did against British in South Africa. A new religion spreads because somewhere it has given relief to people from oppressive systems of the society, promoted by rulers. At the same time it also has to be based on the ideas of Truthfulness, gratitude and equity. All of them from Krishna to Gandhiji did it.
I have often quoted " Imagine what must have been the impact of truthfulness preaches by Paigambar -- that the Khilaphat empire which came as a result could rule for 800 years -- but more importantly, look at the literature that got created during the time -- namely the Arabian Nights .. these are stories about keeping your truthfulness.. your word of honour, and gratitude -- in the form "namak ke saath daga nahi".
Islam teaches -- One Alla -- (call it God or Ishwar), hence no need to worship any other form. Jesus said the same, Buddha said the same and the scholars among Hindus like shankaracharya and swami Dayanand saraswati said the same. Only one deviation. Among Hindus for those not so schoarly, they are allowed to worship a form with whom they can use a daily one-to-one conversational form. And many have gained by it, so there experience is certainly a documentary evidence. I would rather like to understand its scientific principle that denounce it as ANDHSHRADDHA .
What I see as drawback of Islam -- it has tremendous discrimination against women and far less tolerance than most of the other religions. These views come from hearing what others say -- I have not read what the scriptures say.
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From: kasim mulla
Date: Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 11:31 AM
To: leena.mehendale@gmail.com
Respected Madam,
I am extremely sorry for contacting you so late. Fortunately I got an opportunity to listen your thoughts. During the meeting at Yadwade sirs home in Miraj. After that meeting I had given you some Islamic Books. Any truthseeker does not make any opinion without well understanding & well confirmation of the truth. I am sure that you have the same attitude. On this base I expect your remarks on those books. I am eager to know your opinions about Islam before reading there books as well as if there is any change in your openions about Islam after reading these books.
Please don't give me your opinion keeping in view that I am Islam. Basically I am secular & answer we considering this.
We are imperssed by the fact that you give your preuous time for such readings from your busy schedule.
pl reply
Yours faithfully
Kasim Mulla
(President of Jamate Islami Hind Miraj Directer of Academy of Secular Ethisc and Humanism.
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