IN PRAISE OF ISLAM

IN PRAISE OF ISLAM


Islam, the second largest
Religion in the world,
Attracting even the West,
Must have something in it.

I don’t know much about the
Islamic principles.
Yet its sense of brotherhood
Reflexly comes to mind.

Islam does not approve of
Interest on money,
Calling it unearned income;
I think that is just great.

Islam prohibits one to
Enjoy unearned income.
On the other hand, rather,
It preaches the zakat.

Zakat is the donation
To charity by all,
Varying from one eighth to
One fortieth income.

Islam lays emphasis on
Tradition and culture,
Which, in themselves, are good things,
For a society.

But it is true that Islam
Needs to modernize much,
In tune with the concepts that
The world enjoys today.

It must do something urgent
To address legal flaws
That deny the human rights,
Much more so to women.

It must ensure the state is
Run on secular lines.
Theocratic states are an
Anathema today.

It must grant full religious
Freedom to non-Muslims
Blasphemy laws in Islam
Need to be discarded.

Finally education
Needs to be modernized.
Madrassa system must be
Thoroughly overhauled.

I hope Islamic countries
Would take up the challenge
To rid Islam of weakness
And to make it yet strong.



• Written in 7-6-7-6 format


M C Gupta
8 May 2007