|
Every society has its own culture—a distinction that
differentiates it from other societies. Although Islam plays the most important
role in developing the ideological and practical infrastructure of all Muslim
societies, each can be recognized distinctly because of their peculiar
characteristics influenced by the atmosphere, the environment, and the geography
etc of their specific regions. Traditional practices, seen in this perspective,
undeniably hold immense value yet we need to be careful that we do not revere an
inherent practice merely on the basis that it is a tradition. The following
discussion probes into the notion of ‘The Caste System’, particularly
characteristic of the East, and endeavours to find out if it is against the
spirit of Islam.
Angeln: Caste system is very common in some
countries e.g. Pakistan. Are castes acceptable in Islam? Where are they
mentioned?
Tariq Hashmi: Classification of mankind in different
branches is endorsed both by reason and revelation. Not only does the Qur’ān
allude to this segregation, it also hints towards the basic acumen of the
phenomenon. It says: ‘O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female,
and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Lo! the
noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is
all-knowing, all-aware.’ (49:13)]
Ayesha: Having stated the Qur’ānic verse, it is
imperative to appreciate that castes should play absolutely no role in social
relationships.
Ronnie: Although the Qur’ān has given us a sense of
various people with differing backgrounds, I cannot agree that the caste system
is merely a simple classification of human groups. Actually, the caste system is
an erroneous concept that places certain groups of people as superior and
inferior. While the Qur’ān has posed the beauty in our differences it has also
reminded us that no one is better than another except through their works.
Castes, on the other hand, are a classification for repression and
disparagement. If this is the case then there seems to be no plausible harmony
between castes and what the Qur’ān has stated.
Razi Allah: Since you have referred particularly to
the prevalent caste system in Pakistan, I can present some observations from my
experience. While it is true that there is nothing wrong in the caste system for
the purpose of ‘knowing one another’, people tend to harbor certain preconceived
notions, usually negative, about a particular caste, and judge the entire group
accordingly with a naive and mock disregard for individual differences. This
seems pervasive even among the educated people.
There are certain practices related to marriage and
intermingling, based on the caste system, that breed inequality, intolerance and
an air of superiority. Some of the vilest aspects of Hindu caste system are
well-entrenched within the Muslim Pakistani society. Ordinarily, one will find
people justifying every act via a convenient route i.e. Islam. Just as Islam has
allowed every man to marry four women, please no ifs and buts, Islam also allows
us to divide ourselves into castes, no ifs and buts.
Ronnie: Indeed there is no prohibition in dividing
ourselves. That does not seem to be the point of contention. The nature of some
of these castes is contrary to Islamic principles. Not only are they used to
segregate people based on prejudice and hatred but they are also contrary to the
Islamic concept of equality of humanity. The only division is that of the
righteous and the evil doer. The Children of Israel created such a caste; they
elevated themselves and cast out the world. Division is not evil or wrong but as
implemented in most castes is without a doubt contrary to the Truth.
Razi Allah: My last statement was a sarcasm directed
at the attitude that chooses to overlook the spirit behind Islamic directives.
Just as there is wisdom behind directives related to polygamy, so is there
wisdom in the division of people in nations and tribes. The attitude of
summoning such verses of the Qur’ān at convenience, disregarding the real
purpose and spirit i.e. no ifs and buts accepted was what I was sardonically
referring to.
http://www.studying-islam.org/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=161&FORUM_ID=1&CAT_ID=7&
Topic_Title=Castes+in+Islam&Forum_Title=General+Discussion
|