 |
|
|||
 |
||||
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
Falsehood of Islam By: Bijla Singh Point 5 - Sikh Beliefs of Worship
Singh claims that Sikhs follow no fasting or pilgrimages. This is completely untrue. Sikhs celebrate “Hola Mohalla”, which involves military exercises, mock battles, and a festival of poetry, song and dance, and is held at Anandpur Sahib.
Holla Mohalla is not a pilgrimage as this is a misunderstanding of Muslims. Holla Mohalla is not considered a spiritual journey. It is a festival that is celebrated where Sikhs show their martial arts skills. Neither it is a requirement for Sikhs to attend nor does it signify any spiritual enlightenment.
Of all religions, the best religion is to chant the Name of the Lord and maintain pure conduct. Of all religious rituals, the most sublime ritual is to erase the filth of the dirty mind in the Company of the Holy. Of all efforts, the best effort is to chant the Name of the Lord in the heart, forever. Of all speech, the most ambrosial speech is to hear the Lord's Praise and chant it with the tongue. Of all places, the most sublime place, O Nanak, is that heart in which the Name of the Lord abides. ||8||3|| (Ang 266)
Hence, it is clear that in Gurbani the best ritual and pilgrimage is to chant Naam. In addition to this, Sikhs are expected to visit the “Golden Temple”, in Amritsar. It is described as “a living symbol of the spiritual and historical traditions of the Sikhs. It is a source of inspiration for all Sikhs and their chief place of pilgrimage.” (Sikhtourism.com)
This again is a misunderstanding. First of all, neither the website nor do the Muslims give any reference to prove that visiting Darbar Sahib is equivalent to pilgrimage to Mecca. Darbar Sahib in Amritsar is the religious center of Sikhs and visiting such a holy place is considered a very holy act but there is no requirement stated in Gurbani, Rehatnamas or Tankahnamas to make a pilgrimage to Darbar Sahib and perform certain rituals. Instead, Gurbani is clear on the stance that contemplating on Naam is the best pilgrimage.
Why should I bathe at sacred shrines of pilgrimage? The Naam, the Name of the Lord, is the sacred shrine of pilgrimage. My sacred shrine of pilgrimage is spiritual wisdom within, and contemplation on the Word of the Shabad. The spiritual wisdom given by the Guru is the True sacred shrine of pilgrimage, where the ten festivals are always observed. I constantly beg for the Name of the Lord; grant it to me, O God, Sustainer of the world. The world is sick, and the Naam is the medicine to cure it; without the True Lord, filth sticks to it. The Guru's Word is immaculate and pure; it radiates a steady Light. Constantly bathe in such a true shrine of pilgrimage. ||1|| (Ang 687)
On the other hand, pilgrimage to Mecca is required for Muslims and every Muslim is required to perform certain rituals. Darbar Sahib was built by Guru Sahib Himself whereas Mecca had already existed before Mohammad and hajj was a very common pagan practice.
Furthermore, Darbar Sahib is open to everyone. Spirituality and peace that the place offers can be enjoyed by everyone as there is no discrimination in Sikhi. Hence, it spiritually benefits whosoever seeks it. On the other hand, non-Muslims are not allowed to go Mecca. Does it become filthy or unholy if non-Muslims go near it? Pagans and other non-Muslims used to visit Mecca even during the times of Mohammad which was stopped later due to “revelation” of the following verse. In a late Medinan Surah 9:28: “O ye who believe! Truly the pagans are unclean, so let them not, after this year of theirs, approach the Sacred Mosque.” Islam teaches Muslims to fast during the special month of Ramadan. It is this month that Muslims have the opportunity to get closer to God. But the question is: why this special month? If this is the only month to get closer to God then what is point for Muslims doing five prayers a day for the rest of the eleven months? Point 6 – DowryIn actual fact, In Islam the Dowry is firstly paid by the Grooms family, in order to provide for the Bride should a tragedy befall him, or a divorce be requested. It means that money will be available to tide over the Bride in cases of hardship. There is nothing morally wrong with such a device. Far crueller is to provide nothing to the Bride and for her to fend for herself, as the Guru appears to advise, should tragedy strike!
The whole concept of giving money in marriage is simply a nonsensical one. The above quote presents many flaws. It not only poses women as dependent helpless creatures but also takes away their freedom of being self-dependent. From the above quote it is clear that Muslims believe women to be always depending on men for money and assume that women are somehow incapable of working a job and make a life. In Sikhi, marriage is not about money but living together and progressing together in spirituality. Assuming household responsibilities for woman is not obligatory but a choice. There is nothing in Sikhi that prevents women from having a job and providing food and shelter for themselves and the family. Muslim practice encourages male-dependency in women whereas Sikhi gives life of freedom and sense of independence to women. Even if such practice provides security to women, after divorce woman only gets half of man’s portion according to inheritance laws of Islam which again is disadvantageous to women.
|
|