Islam and the casteist Kashmiri
Islam as a religion doesn’t recognize any caste. There is no place in Islam to associate superiority with a particular caste and observe any other as lowly and inferior
Ummar Jamal
Casteism simply means prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of caste. There are various standpoints on whether term ‘caste’ can be used to denote social stratification among Non-Hindu communities.
Ghaus Ansari (1960) uses the ‘term’ to describe the Muslim social group with the characters Like , endogamy within a given social group. Hierarchical gradation of social groups, determination of the group membership by birth and in some cases association of an occupation with the social group.
The characteristics given by GhausAnsari fits Kashmiri society aptly. We prefer endogamy and endorse hierarchical gradation of social groups as well. We leave no stone unturned to create prejudicial vibe around us. We often find examples of casteism in our day to day life.
Thought Islam proscribes casteism, but south Asian Muslims apply a system of social stratification. And to this Kashmir is no exception. It is erroneous to say that casteism is defunct here in Kashmir. Here we find casteism in its worst form.
It is more prevalent among us than other Muslim communities. However, one can’t paint all the Muslims with the same brush. An absolute majority of people is far and away from this practice.
I am often perturbed by a past incident. In fact, that infuriating incident which pushes to ventilate pertaining to casteism in Kashmir. Few years ago I was returning towards home. Midway I came across a dismaying experience. I sighted a man objurgating his little son. I halted my steps to perceive the brawl between father-son duo. It reminded me of my own childhood. When my parents would always keep nagging at me for being late from school. But the reason behind father’s scolding was not same that of my father.
When I saw the man dragging his son from the latter’s friend, I grasped what the matter was. For confirmation, I mustered all my courage, as he was enraged by his son’s friend, to ask the person, what is matter? He replied with a sigh that, his son had got into friendship with a low caste fellow.
It was not a matter of surprise for me. Because I am well-acquainted that our society is still in possession of such pessimistic brains. And we all often come across such experience. Denial of same would be a lie.
Some Muslims still prefer endogamous marriages. This is not any fabrication but a harsh reality. When an intermediator comes with marriage proposal, first question that is posed to him is, which caste does this proposal belong.
Islam doesn’t allow such practice in Toto. Though Islam permits us to marry out equals and like to see future matrimonial life to flourish. However, it stresses on piety. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) has said, while going for a marriage the facet of person, s conduct should be given priority.
Almighty Allah says in Quran, “O mankind, we have created you from a single pair of male and female, and made you into races and tribes, so that you may identify one another (not you may despise one another).Indeed, the noblest of you in Allah, s sight in one who is most pious “ ( C:39 , v:13)
Islam as a religion doesn’t recognize any caste. There is no place in Islam to associate superiority with a particular caste and observe any other as lowly and inferior. Regardless of caste, in Islam noblest most dignified is one, who is pious and Godly. Islam emphasis of equality irrespective of caste. Islamic teaching are a scourge for casteism. Islam observes caste as an abomination.
Holy prophet Mohammed (PBUH) has said, “Your God is one and your ancestor is one. No Arab is not better than a Non-Arab and no Non- Arab is better than an Arab, and a red person is not superior to black and black is not superior than red, except, piety.”
History has witnessed the era when Abu Baqr (RA), the first caliphate of Islam and Bilal I Habshi (RA) used to sit side by side in same row and place in the mosque of Madinah. History has also been evident, when all people, Arab or Non- Arab, rich or poor, master or slave, used to assemble same place, standing in the same row and would offer prayers behind the same leader (Imam) and will continue until day of resurrection.
In this connection Allah iqbal says in a verse. “AEK HI SAFF MEIN KHADA HO GAYE MEHMOOD O AYAZ, NA KOIE BANDA RAHA AUR NA BANDA NAWAZ” (king and slave, Mahmood and his slave Ayaz stood in stood in same row, bowing before one God, now there is hardly any difference between the two).
It is our moral as well as religious duty of every Muslim to eschew from indulging in castiesm. As our religion prohibits all kinds of distinction on account of caste and race. Islam suggests a radically egalitarian social vision.
(The author is Law student)
