The following discussion has been taken from the General Discussion
Forum of Studying Islam (http://www.studying-islam.org), one of our sister
sites. While Razi Allah is the moderator of this discussion, Ayesha Hassan
has compiled it for publication in the journal (Editor).
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’an 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’anic
verse,
it is imperative to appreciate that castes should play absolutely no role
in social relationships.
Ronnie: Although the Qur’an
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’an
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’an 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’an at convenience,
disregarding the real purpose and spirit i.e. no ifs and buts accepted
was what I was sardonically referring to.
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