Reply to some criticisms
Abdullah Al Amin
Dear Editor,
This is in reply to some criticisms the flowed in after my first letter. But in response to my one, I got 4-5, and I have no time to reply them all, except to mention that none really addressed the issue I raised. I have nothing personal against Mr. Bashar, he seems to have lots of time to write on Islam recently. But I just said he had some flawed logic, (such as saying Arabic language borrowing words from Urdu) and his style of writing is difficult to read (with wrong spellings and awkward style). And for the contents should handle serious matters (such as Quran the literal word of Allah) seriously enough. It is very well known that misspelling changes the meaning of words, and partial quotes are sources of misunderstanding. Mr. Fatemolla wants me to ignore the mistaken grammar and to address the contents. But it is impossible to address someone if someone does not play by the rule of language. I myself may be prone to typos and silly mistakes, but I never think that is okay if somebody writes wrong Bangla to make a point, even if his point is valid. Is this why we shout so much about "mother language" and achieve nothing?
Ms. Hashem gave some knowledge on the history of languages, that I totally agree with. But she failed to see my point, that Mr. Bashar was wrong to say Arabic contains Urdu words. Even if Arabic does contain some common words what is the big deal? Does it invalidate the message in any way? Why complain about something that has no consequences at all?
On the novel of Mr. Bahauddin I read it with interest to get an idea of life in US. I just could not agree with the impression that prevails in every chapter of the novel, that all those trying to practice Islam are on a sinister plot to use people, steal their money and get rich and are after sexually pleasing themselves. I cannot but compare this to an organized effort to vilify Islam, (like Bangla cinemas portraying the bearded-mullah-type guy as the rapist villain). Please make a fair judgment: of all the corruption in life how much is done by "practicing Muslims", and how much are committed by "Muslims by name only". Then may be your novel will show some reality of life.
To Mr. Fatemolla: long time no see. I agree with you that "Islam is not the paternal property of anyone". But I strongly remind you that "Islam is not a fair game for anyone". Islam has not died despite many corruptions done by Muslims. You either believe it or leave it. But once you believe it your criticisms have no value if they are not backed by Quran and sunnah. All personal whims and guesses are rejected, they will have no impact other than distracting the ummah from more serious issues. Please if you have time leave attacking Islam and write on constructive things. That is if you consider yourself a Muslim. If you do not, then Quran and Sunnah is none of your business.
I hope I could contribute to this forum in future. I plan to do some translation works from Japanese to Bangla, which I think will enrich the language. I am no scholar on religion. Quran and sunnah is enough for me, lots more to practice than to preach here.
Regards,
Abdullah Al Amin
Tokyo, Japan
31 May 2005