Submitted by : qalamuddin on Strugle

Tolerance in a City

Religious tolerance in Islam is well known*
In history it has been shown
But today a twisted tolerance was unveiled
This is the story I am about to reveal

A mother and daughter sharing a husband
A Malay boy in a Chinese funeral band
“Tolerance! I say Man”
In Islam – this is totally banned

A sin exhibited openly
By a couple not so shyly
A newborn is killed**
Is this the new drill?

We look and dare not speak
Is this “Tolerance” at its peak?
We have the wrong concept
Tolerance! Does this mean good and bad we accept?

Expect the unexpected in this city
Sins aplenty and we do not feel guilty
Is this the kind of tolerance we expect?
Mind you all these Islam rejects.

As tolerance in Islam is profound
By Rasulullah’s example it can be found
A weakness it does not confound
From a character that is sound

As Muslim a balance must be maintained
Tolerance is difficult to sustain
But one thing can be ascertained
Just stick to what Allah has ordained

This is the conclusion of my observations
Looking at tolerance through daily actions
An agenda via campaigns and promotions
That is the devil’s deception

Tolerance – an individual sacrifice is made
For harmony, justice and peace sake
Since our lives are at stake
Anything they give we just take

I thank you in this occasion
I apologize for any misrepresentation
And just for this moment of occurrence
I expect your total and full cooperation

We cooperate in everything good***
Regardless of our moods
And what a pity?
If we understood sins as tolerance in a City

Penned by Qalamuddin 24/10/2011


* In 1927 Pickthall gave eight lectures on several aspects of Islamic civilization at the invitation of The Committee of “Madras Lectures on Islam” in Madras, India. Except from Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall’s fifth lecture on the “Tolerance in Islam” - In the eyes of history, religious toleration is the highest evidence of culture in a people. It was not until the Western nations broke away from their religious law that they became more tolerant, and it was only when the Muslims fell away from their religious law that they declined in tolerance and other evidences of the highest culture. Before the coming of Islam, tolerance had never been preached as an essential part of religion.

** Hadhrat Abu Musa Ash'ari radhiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasulallah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Qiyamah will come...

1. When it will be regarded as a shame to act on Quranic injunctions.
2. When untrustworthy people will be regarded as trustworthy and the trustworthy will be regarded as untrustworthy.
3. When it will be hot in winter (and vice versa).
4. When the length of days is stretched, i.e. a journey of a few days is covered in a matter of hours.
5. When orators and lecturers lie openly.
6. When people dispute over petty issues.
7. When women with children come displeased on account of them bearing offspring, and barren women remain happy on account of having no responsibility of offspring.
8. When oppression, jealousy, and greed become the order of the day.
9. When people blatantly follow their passions and whims.
10. When lies prevail over the truth.
11. When violence, bloodshed and anarchy become common.
12. When immorality overtakes shamelessness and is perpetrated publicly.
13. When legislation matters pertaining to Deen is handed over to the worst elements of the Ummat, and if people accept them and are satisfied with their findings, then such persons will not smell the fragrance of Jannat
14. When the offspring become a cause of grief and anger (for their parents).

The following is part of a lengthy Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood radhiyallahu anhu when he inquired from Rasulallah sallallahu alayhi wasallam about the Signs of Qiyamah.
1. Music and musical instruments will be found in every home.
2. People will indulge in homosexuality.
3. There will be an abundance of illegitimate children.
4. There will be an abundance of critics, tale-carriers, back-biters and taunters in society.
5. People will establish ties with strangers and sever relations with their near and dear ones.
6. Hypocrites will be in control of the affairs of the community and evil, immoral people will be at the helm of business establishments.
7. The Masjid will be decorated, but the hearts of the people will be devoid of guidance.
8. The courtyards of Masjids will be built beautifully and high mimbars (pulpits) will be erected.
9. Gangsters and evil people will prevail.
10. Various wines will be consumed excessively.

***Al-Quran Al-Maidah:2 “And cooperate for the cause of good and piety, and do not cooperate for the cause of sin and transgression