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	<title>Islamic history &#8211; The Milli Chronicle</title>
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		<title>Guardian of the Desert Library: Mauritania’s Ancient Manuscripts Fight Time, Sand and Silence</title>
		<link>https://millichronicle.com/2026/04/65998.html</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[NewsDesk MC]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:30:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Adrar region]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[medieval towns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muhammad Gholam el-Habot]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[&#8220;A civilisation survives not only in its monuments, but in the fragile pages someone chooses to protect.&#8221; In the fading]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><em>&#8220;A civilisation survives not only in its monuments, but in the fragile pages someone chooses to protect.&#8221;</em></p>



<p> In the fading desert town of Chinguetti, where centuries-old stone alleys lead to libraries older than many modern states, Muhammad Gholam el-Habot spends his days preserving a fragile inheritance: rare Islamic manuscripts passed down through generations of his family.</p>



<p>Inside his cool, high-ceilinged library lined with steel bookshelves, el-Habot carefully pulls on white gloves before opening a thick Arabic manuscript. He turns its brittle brown pages slowly, inspecting them for damage before closing the volume, pressing his fingers gently across its worn leather cover, and placing it into a protective white box.</p>



<p>For the 50-year-old librarian, these books are more than historical objects. They are a sacred trust.“My relationship with them is like that of a father and his son,” el-Habot told Al Jazeera from his family’s library in Chinguetti, a medieval ksar, or fortified desert town, in Mauritania’s northern Adrar region. “We must protect them until God takes the land and all the people who are on the land.”</p>



<p>The el-Habot family library is among the few remaining private manuscript libraries still operating in Chinguetti, once one of the most important centres of Islamic scholarship and trans-Saharan commerce between the 13th and 17th centuries.</p>



<p> Today, much of the town stands abandoned as residents have gradually moved to larger cities in search of education, employment, and modern services.At its height, Chinguetti served as a major intellectual and commercial crossroads linking the Sahel with the Maghreb. </p>



<p>Camel caravans transporting salt, gold, and other goods passed through the town, while Muslim pilgrims travelling to Mecca on foot or by camel gathered there to prepare for their journey eastward through Cairo.The town became known across West Africa for its libraries and scholars. Islamic jurisprudence, hadith literature, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and poetry were all studied and preserved there. UNESCO later referred to Chinguetti as the “Sorbonne of the Sahara,” while regional tradition described it as Islam’s “seventh holiest city.”</p>



<p>Much of that scholarly legacy came from local families such as the el-Habots. An ancestor of the current librarian, Sidi Mohamed Ould Habot, was among a group of Chinguetti scholars who travelled across the Muslim world between the 18th and 19th centuries, from Egypt to Andalusia, collecting and writing manuscripts.</p>



<p> Together, they amassed approximately 6,000 texts that were distributed across around 30 libraries in the town.The el-Habot family today maintains about 1,400 manuscripts, some written by their own ancestors. One of them focuses on the science of poetry.El-Habot said he did not originally intend to become the keeper of the collection. </p>



<p>He assumed responsibility in 2002 after his father became ill. In his family and community, the role was considered an honour rather than a career choice.“This is something that we have to do; it is a family obligation,” he said. “This is not even a question to be asked.”His ancestor left three conditions for future generations: the library must remain in Chinguetti, it must remain open to seekers of knowledge, and its keeper must be a male descendant considered religious and morally upright. </p>



<p>El-Habot says abandoning those principles would be a violation of both family duty and spiritual responsibility.Yet maintaining that commitment has become increasingly difficult.Mauritania is nearly 90 percent Sahara desert and has long faced desertification. Researchers say climate change is intensifying the problem. </p>



<p>Sandstorms and flash floods have become more frequent, while heatwaves and colder winter extremes place added pressure on ancient manuscripts and the traditional mudbrick structures that house them.Andrew Bishop, a researcher at the University of Wyoming who studies climate impacts on Saharan cultures, said the environmental threat to Chinguetti’s texts is growing more severe.</p>



<p>“Extreme heat and less predictable rainfall patterns means that texts are increasingly damaged by water or heat, making many manuscripts beyond repair,” Bishop told Al Jazeera. He added that the traditional mud libraries were never designed for sudden rainfall or prolonged temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.</p>



<p>Annual rainfall in Mauritania has reportedly declined by 35 percent since 1970, making it harder for local communities to sustain herding and date palm agriculture. Economic decline has accelerated migration from Chinguetti, weakening the social systems that once supported the libraries.Today, many of Chinguetti’s roughly 4,500 residents live outside the original old town in newer cement buildings. </p>



<p>The historic ksar itself, built of dry stone and red mudbrick, faces the long-term threat of being buried by surrounding sand dunes, although no definitive timeline has been established.The fear is not theoretical. Just outside the town lie the excavated ruins of Abweir, believed to be the original Chinguetti, founded around 777 AD. </p>



<p>Local accounts say its residents relocated in 1264, likely after conflict, and over time the old settlement was swallowed by sand.Tourism, once a modest source of income for library owners, has also fluctuated sharply. Visitor numbers dropped significantly in the mid-2000s after armed groups targeted foreigners in parts of Mauritania. The COVID-19 pandemic further reduced travel.</p>



<p>Although security has improved and visitors are slowly returning, preserving manuscripts remains expensive. El-Habot must purchase chemicals to protect books from insects, improve storage conditions, and sometimes reprint or digitise manuscripts before they become unreadable.</p>



<p>The weather remains the greatest uncertainty.During the hottest months between April and December, the dry desert air makes old pages brittle. In colder months, the drop in temperature creates different preservation risks. To manage humidity during extreme heat, el-Habot sometimes places buckets of water around the library.</p>



<p>Flash floods pose an additional danger to books that have already survived centuries.In 2024, UNESCO launched a $100,000 restoration project supporting 13 family libraries in Chinguetti. The initiative provided air-conditioning units, shelving, storage boxes, computers, and printers to improve conservation capacity.Still, many libraries remain closed, with collections scattered among relatives or left vulnerable to neglect.</p>



<p> Researchers warn that the greater challenge may be generational rather than financial.Younger Mauritanians, many of whom leave for Nouakchott or abroad, are often less interested in continuing the difficult and low-income work of manuscript preservation.</p>



<p> El-Habot himself doubts that his two sons would accept the responsibility.Back in his library, he points to one of his favourite manuscripts. Its pages contain illustrations of the moon’s phases, an eclipse, and depictions of the holy cities of Mecca and Madina. His voice softens as he turns the pages.“I have to protect this heritage,” he said. “As mine, and also for all of humanity.”</p>



<p></p>



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		<title>Saudi Arabia Strengthens Historical Preservation with Hajj and Two Holy Mosques Knowledge Project</title>
		<link>https://millichronicle.com/2025/09/56325.html</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[NewsDesk MC]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:51:48 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[Riyadh – Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><strong>Riyadh –</strong> Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), recently led the second meeting of the Supreme Supervisory Committee for the History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques Project. </p>



<p>The meeting reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving Islamic heritage and documenting the Kingdom’s significant contributions to the service of pilgrims throughout history.</p>



<p>The initiative aims to establish a comprehensive knowledge reference that records the historical evolution of the Two Holy Mosques, the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, and the Kingdom’s pivotal role in facilitating and enhancing these sacred practices. </p>



<p>According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the project also seeks to preserve and promote Islamic content, ensuring that the rich historical memory of the Kingdom is accessible to scholars, researchers, and the global Muslim community.</p>



<p>Initially launched as a scholarly resource titled the “Encyclopedia of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques,” the project has since expanded into a pioneering national initiative. It now encompasses a wide range of research, documentation, and educational activities designed to highlight key milestones in the Kingdom’s service to pilgrims, as well as the historical and cultural significance of the Two Holy Mosques.</p>



<p>During the recent meeting, the committee reviewed its agenda, including preparations for the “Historical Events in the Prophetic Biography: Perspectives on Investigation and Documentation Forum,” which will be held in Madinah in conjunction with the Umrah Forum. </p>



<p>The forum aims to bring together scholars, historians, and experts to explore, investigate, and document important historical events, ensuring that knowledge of the Prophetic era and the development of Hajj rituals is preserved for future generations.</p>



<p>In addition, the committee discussed plans to establish a permanent museum dedicated to the history of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques. This museum will serve as a cultural and educational hub, providing visitors with an immersive experience that highlights the Kingdom’s leadership in safeguarding Islamic heritage while fostering global understanding of the significance of the Two Holy Mosques.</p>



<p>The project represents a broader national effort to combine scholarly research, cultural preservation, and innovative initiatives to celebrate and document Saudi Arabia’s rich Islamic history. By investing in these initiatives, the Kingdom continues to strengthen its role as a custodian of Islamic heritage, while promoting awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the sacred sites and their historical significance across the world.</p>
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		<title>Ghazwa-e-Hind: Between Misused Prophecy and Modern Political Fantasy</title>
		<link>https://millichronicle.com/2025/05/ghazwa-e-hind-between-misused-prophecy-and-modern-political-fantasy.html</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Umar Shareef]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 17 May 2025 18:27:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Dr Israr Ahmed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith and politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ghazwa-e-Hind]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hadith misinterpretation]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Islam in India]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://millichronicle.com/?p=54902</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[If any country, including Pakistan, ever invades India in the name of Ghazwa-e-Hind, they will find Indian Muslims defending their]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-post-author"><div class="wp-block-post-author__avatar"><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c82540e7830a418ad857b765dbcc88c5?s=48&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c82540e7830a418ad857b765dbcc88c5?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-48 photo' height='48' width='48' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/></div><div class="wp-block-post-author__content"><p class="wp-block-post-author__name">Umar Shareef</p></div></div>


<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>If any country, including Pakistan, ever invades India in the name of Ghazwa-e-Hind, they will find Indian Muslims defending their homeland</p>
</blockquote>



<p>Among the many ideas that have found their way into the modern Islamic revivalist narrative, few are as persistently misunderstood—or dangerously misused—as the concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind. Popularized in contemporary times by figures like the late Dr. Israr Ahmed, it has come to be viewed not as a historical episode or a symbolic metaphor, but as a yet-to-be-fulfilled call to military conquest. This interpretation, though emotionally charged, is divorced from Islamic orthodoxy, historical context, and contemporary political reality.</p>



<p>This misreading of Islamic eschatology has become especially potent in Pakistan, where it has been weaponized by a segment of the clergy and even military-linked media. But what the masses often don’t see is that such a vision not only contradicts Islamic legal tradition, but also threatens the harmony of the Indian subcontinent, especially the future of Indian Muslims.</p>



<p><strong>A Historical View—Not a Military Manual</strong></p>



<p>The hadith that mentions Ghazwa-e-Hind is reported in Sunan an-Nasa’i (Hadith 3175), Musnad Ahmad (Hadith 23804), and al-Tabarani’s al-Mu&#8217;jam al-Kabir. The narration speaks of two groups saved from Hellfire—one that fights in India and another that accompanies Jesus, the son of Mary, during his second coming. However, Islamic scholars have long disagreed about the authenticity, context, and timeline of these narrations.</p>



<p>Renowned Hadith scholar Shaykh Nasiruddin al-Albani graded some of the chains as weak (da’if), while others like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari considered them authentic but possibly fulfilled during the early Islamic conquests. Ibn Kathir, in Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya, also noted that the interpretation of these ahadith was limited to earlier periods of conquest.</p>



<p>Classical historians like al-Baladhuri in Futuh al-Buldan detail the campaign of Muhammad bin Qasim into Sindh (712 CE) as a response to an appeal from Muslim merchants and not as a sweeping religious war. The conquest was confined to a narrow region and did not reflect any systematic plan to convert India. Furthermore, the Chachnama, a semi-legendary Persian text documenting this campaign, narrates how religious freedom was granted to local Hindus and temples remained operational under Islamic rule.</p>



<p>Islamic scholar Dr. Ayesha Jalal, in her book Partisans of Allah: Jihad in South Asia, asserts that Ghazwa-e-Hind has been inflated in Pakistan&#8217;s religious discourse not because of religious necessity, but due to state-sponsored ideology. She writes that this hadith has “resurfaced with renewed intensity in Pakistan’s strategic imagination, filtered through a millenarian lens.”</p>



<p><strong>The Qur’anic Command: No Compulsion in Religion</strong></p>



<p>The most authoritative source in Islam—the Qur’an—states unequivocally: “There is no compulsion in religion” (Qur’an 2:256). This verse, supported by the consensus (ijma’) of scholars, has been interpreted as a foundational principle of religious freedom. In Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Imam al-Qurtubi elaborates that Islam forbids coercion because belief requires conviction, not force.</p>



<p>The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), when inviting tribes to Islam, used persuasion, kindness, and exemplary character—not threats. As recorded in Sirat Ibn Hisham and Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d, his approach to da’wah was rooted in wisdom, not warfare.</p>



<p>Moreover, Tafsir al-Tabari on verse 16:125—“Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching…”—explains that this verse sets the tone for all Islamic outreach. Any idea that religious dominance can be achieved through military force runs counter to the Qur’anic message and Prophetic model.</p>



<p><strong>Prophecy ≠ Policy</strong></p>



<p>Yes, Islam contains eschatological prophecies—many of which describe dramatic geopolitical changes in the end times. </p>



<p>The Prophet (peace be upon him) never told Muslims to build strategies around ghazwaat of the future. Instead, he focused on justice, reform, and internal purification.</p>



<p>Consider the Ghazwa of Abwa and Ghazwa of Ushayrah—expeditions that ended without a single arrow being shot. As documented in Al-Maghazi of al-Waqidi, many ghazwaat were precautionary or diplomatic. This is supported by Imam al-Nawawi’s commentary on Sahih Muslim, where he notes that military action in Islam is conditional on ethical, legal, and political necessities—not eschatological ambitions.</p>



<p><strong>The Spread of Islam: A Moral Project, Not a Military One</strong></p>



<p>Historically, Islam’s most significant growth occurred in regions where armies never marched. Southeast Asia, East Africa, and large swathes of India were introduced to Islam not through conquest but through trade and spiritual invitation.</p>



<p>Dr. Richard Eaton, in his landmark study The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier, highlights how Sufi saints and local rulers facilitated Islamization in Bengal through land reforms, spiritual guidance, and social integration—not through war. Similarly, Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi in Islam and the World emphasizes that Islamic civilization at its best was spread through service, justice, and education.</p>



<p>The Prophet himself said: “I was sent to perfect noble character” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 8595). This foundational hadith is echoed in the works of Imam al-Ghazali in Ihya Ulum al-Din, who taught that spiritual excellence—not militarism—is the soul of Islamic revival.</p>



<p><strong>Pakistan’s Fantasy vs Indian Muslims’ Reality</strong></p>



<p>One of the more troubling developments is the Pakistani state’s occasional use of Ghazwa-e-Hind as a symbolic justification for cross-border ambitions. In textbooks, speeches, and even TV dramas, the narrative of a future campaign to “liberate” Indian Muslims is floated as a divine responsibility.</p>



<p>But such narratives overlook one major truth: Indian Muslims are not waiting for salvation. They are proud citizens of India, heirs to over a thousand years of Islamic contribution to the subcontinent.</p>



<p>India has produced towering Islamic scholars—Shaykh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi, Shah Waliullah al-Dihlawi, Maulana Azad, and countless others. Its institutions—from Darul Uloom Deoband to Nadwatul Ulama—have trained generations of global scholars. The Indian Muslim identity is not subordinate to any external power. It is deeply rooted in the land, language, and ethos of India.</p>



<p>If any country, including Pakistan, ever invades India in the name of Ghazwa-e-Hind, they will find Indian Muslims defending their homeland, not cheering from the sidelines. As the Qur’an instructs: “Stand firmly for justice&#8230;” (4:135). That includes standing against unjust aggression—even if it’s done in the name of religion.</p>



<p>From Brigadier Muhammad Usman, the hero of Nowshera, to Captain Haneefuddin, who laid down his life in Kargil, Indian Muslims have proven their loyalty with blood.</p>



<p>Let no one mistake their silence for weakness or their faith for disloyalty. The Prophet loved Makkah. The Indian Muslim loves India.</p>



<p><strong>Time for Responsibility, Not Rhetoric</strong></p>



<p>Dr. Israr Ahmed’s intellectual legacy is mixed. While he awakened many to the idea of Islamic revival, his fixation on militarism—untethered from contemporary fiqh and political wisdom—misguided many. Today, young Muslims must be trained not in war slogans but in the Qur’an, Hadith, ethics, law, and service.</p>



<p>The return of a Caliphate, if it happens, must mirror the model of the Prophet—founded on justice, consultation, and mercy. Not through firebrand nationalism or weaponized hadiths.</p>



<p>Ghazwa-e-Hind has become more of a political trope than a theological reality. When read responsibly, Islamic tradition offers no justification for cross-border aggression dressed in prophecy. The real ghazwa we need today is against ignorance, sectarianism, and political manipulation.</p>



<p>Let us turn our energies toward rebuilding our societies—through knowledge, reform, and character. That is the legacy of the Prophet. That is the path of the righteous.</p>
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		<title>Indian Scholar Slams Pakistan: Islam Exploited, Mosques Weaponized</title>
		<link>https://millichronicle.com/2025/05/indian-scholar-slams-pakistan-islam-exploited-mosques-weaponized.html</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Millichronicle]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 May 2025 18:04:24 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[New Delhi — In a recent public statement, Shaykh Mohammed Rahmani, a prominent Indian Islamic scholar and head of the]]></description>
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<p><strong>New Delhi —</strong> In a recent public statement, Shaykh Mohammed Rahmani, a prominent Indian Islamic scholar and head of the Abul Kalam Azad Islamic Awakening Centre in Delhi, openly questioned Pakistan’s Islamic credentials, sparking renewed discussion on the nature of political Islam and the misuse of religious institutions like Mosques and Madrasas.</p>



<p>In a video message widely shared on social media, Shaykh Rahmani raised the critical question: “What is the Islamic status of the neighboring country, Pakistan? And given the current situation there, can it truly be said that an Islamic government or Islamic system is functioning?”</p>



<p>He argued that both India and Pakistan operate under similar democratic structures and that Pakistan’s creation in 1947 was driven more by political ambition than by Islamic principles. “Pakistan was not founded on Islamic ideals,” he said. “Those behind the partition were primarily motivated by worldly interests — positions, power, and authority.”</p>



<p>Shaykh Rahmani referenced the position of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a key figure in India’s independence movement and an influential Islamic thinker, who had strongly opposed the partition of British India. </p>



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<p>“Maulana Azad clearly stated that India was our homeland — where we were born and where we would die. That vision remains significant even today,” Rahmani noted, adding that for many Indian Muslims, India continues to be a safer and more stable environment than Pakistan.</p>



<p>Highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan, he expressed concern over the prevalence of extremist violence. </p>



<p>“We are witnessing a troubling frequency of murders — of children, women, the elderly, and religious scholars. The ideology behind many of these acts is similar to that of the historical Kharijites — a radical sect known for their extremism and violence,” he stated.</p>



<p>Shaykh Rahmani also condemned the use of religious institutions in Pakistan for political purposes. “Mosques and madrasas, which should be centers of learning and spiritual guidance, are being used as shields and platforms for political demands. This is not the way of the Muslim Ummah — it is the path of the Kharijites.”</p>



<p>Calling for a more informed and principled approach, he cautioned Muslims around the world not to be swayed by emotional or romanticized views of Pakistan. “Some may think Pakistan is beneficial for Islam or for Muslims. But history tells us otherwise — scholars have been assassinated, and sacred institutions misused.”</p>



<p>He concluded with a prayer: “Such policies can never be classified as Islamic. They mirror the practices of the Kharijites. May God protect us from all forms of evil and chaos.”</p>



<p>Shaykh Rahmani’s remarks are expected to stir conversation among Muslim communities across South Asia and beyond, especially as debates continue about statehood, religious authority, and the role of faith in governance.</p>
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		<title>How the Crescent and Star Hijacked Muslim Identity</title>
		<link>https://millichronicle.com/2025/04/how-the-crescent-and-star-hijacked-muslim-identity.html</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Zahack Tanvir]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 18:15:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[History]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Top Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[colonial legacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crescent and star]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cultural identity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islamic faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islamic history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islamic spirituality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islamic symbols]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim identity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim nationalism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[national symbols]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ottoman empire]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://millichronicle.com/?p=54699</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[This might come as a surprise, maybe even a shock to some, but neither the crescent nor the star has]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-post-author"><div class="wp-block-post-author__avatar"><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da0fecca1cd894ef4dd226db7fb10b01?s=48&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da0fecca1cd894ef4dd226db7fb10b01?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-48 photo' height='48' width='48' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/></div><div class="wp-block-post-author__content"><p class="wp-block-post-author__name">Zahack Tanvir</p></div></div>


<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>This might come as a surprise, maybe even a shock to some, but neither the crescent nor the star has any basis as an Islamic religious symbol.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>Ask almost any Pakistani today, or even many Muslims across the world, what the crescent and star  on the Pakistani flag mean, and you’ll probably hear a confident answer: &#8220;They are Islamic symbols!&#8221;</p>



<p>But here’s the truth — they are not.</p>



<p>This might come as a surprise, maybe even a shock to some, but neither the crescent nor the star has any basis as an Islamic religious symbol. Not in the Quran, not in the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, and not even among the early generations of Muslims.</p>



<p>In fact, according to a clear ruling from IslamQA, one of the most respected Saudi fatwa (Islamic ruling) portals, the crescent and star have no roots in Islamic teachings whatsoever.</p>



<p>When someone asked on <a href="https://islamqa.info/en/answers/1528/does-islam-have-a-symbol">IslamQA</a> (Question No: 1528): &#8220;What is the symbolism behind the Muslim star and crescent?&#8221; </p>



<p>The scholars answered clearly: “There is no basis in Shari`ah for taking the crescent or star as a symbol of the Muslims. This was not known at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), or at the time of the Khulafa Al-Rashidun, or during the Umayyad dynasty.”</p>



<p>They went on to explain that historians disagree on exactly when Muslims started using these symbols. Some say they came from the Persians, others say from the Greeks. What’s certain is that it wasn&#8217;t the Muslims who invented it, and it definitely wasn&#8217;t something the Prophet Mohammad or his companions endorsed.</p>



<p><strong>A Symbol Borrowed, Not Revealed</strong></p>



<p>So where did the crescent and star actually come from?</p>



<p>Long before Islam even appeared, civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and Persians were already using the crescent and star in their emblems, coins, and banners. In fact, around 300 BC, the Greek colony of Byzantium (which later became Constantinople, and eventually Istanbul) used the crescent in its city flag. Later, the famous Pontic king Mithridates VI adopted the crescent and star combination as a royal emblem after he took control of Byzantium for a brief period.</p>



<p>Fast forward a few centuries: The Persian Sassanian Empire, long before Islam, minted coins bearing the crescent and star. And when early Muslim rulers conquered Persia, they initially continued using the same coin designs — not out of religious endorsement, but simply because they were replicating existing currency systems.</p>



<p>Later, during the rise of the mighty Ottoman Empire, the crescent and star became closely tied with Muslim identity, not through divine instruction but through politics and imperial symbolism. The Ottoman flag of 1844 — a white crescent and star on a red background — became a powerful emblem of their rule. </p>



<p>When Turkey modernized in the 20th century, they kept the crescent-star motif, and many Muslim countries — like Pakistan, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, Malaysia, Tunisia, Algeria — incorporated it into their national flags too.</p>



<p><strong>Why Some Muslims Think It’s Islamic</strong></p>



<p>Because the Ottoman Empire was seen for centuries as the seat of the Islamic caliphate, the association between their state symbol and Islam grew stronger in people’s minds. Over time, many Muslims — especially during the nationalist and Islamist movements of the 20th century — started embracing the crescent and star as &#8220;Islamic.&#8221;</p>



<p>But let’s be clear: This connection is cultural, not religious.</p>



<p>Unlike the cross in Christianity — which directly symbolizes Jesus&#8217; crucifixion — there is no divine event, revelation, or command linking Islam with the crescent and star.</p>



<p>It’s just a case of history blending with perception.</p>



<p><strong>Theological Reality: Stars and Moons Are Just Creation</strong></p>



<p>In Islam, celestial bodies like the moon and stars are indeed respected — but as creations of God, not as sacred symbols.</p>



<p>Islamic teachings emphasize that the moon and stars have no power to influence our fate, bring blessings, or cause harm. They are signs of God&#8217;s creative power, nothing more. Worship or reverence is strictly reserved for God alone.</p>



<p>Thus, attaching sacred meaning to the crescent and star, treating them as holy, or reacting angrily if someone “disrespects” them, is simply not part of Islamic belief.</p>



<p><strong>So, Is It a Sin to Walk Over a Crescent and Star Symbol?</strong></p>



<p>Absolutely not.</p>



<p>Since neither the crescent nor the star are Islamic symbols, walking over them, wearing them on socks, printing them on T-shirts, or even using them in decorative ways is not a sin or an act of rebellion against God.</p>



<p>If someone feels emotional about it out of patriotism — for instance, feeling hurt if the Pakistani flag is trampled — that&#8217;s understandable as a matter of national pride for Pakistanis alone, but it’s not a religious issue for all Muslims.</p>



<p>God has not commanded us to venerate flags or symbols. His command is to worship Him.</p>



<p><strong>A Call for Clear Thinking</strong></p>



<p>In today’s world, where misinformation spreads easily, it&#8217;s crucial for Muslims to stay anchored in authentic knowledge rather than cultural myths.</p>



<p>Islam is a faith of clarity, not confusion. Our symbols are not man-made designs but eternal truths: Belief in God and righteous deeds.</p>



<p>So the next time you see a crescent and star, appreciate their beauty, admire their history, recognize their role in culture and heritage — but don’t mistake them for something they’re not.</p>



<p>Our strength as Muslims lies in knowledge, truth, and clear understanding, not in clinging to symbols that history accidentally handed down to us.</p>



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		<title>Prophet’s Jewish Ally Rabbi Mukhayriq—Why BJP Lawmaker Quoted Him in India’s Parliament?</title>
		<link>https://millichronicle.com/2025/04/prophets-jewish-ally-rabbi-mukhayriq-why-bjp-lawmaker-quoted-him-in-indias-parliament.html</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Zahack Tanvir]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Top Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Battle of Uhud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BJP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charity in Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[communal cooperation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[historical figures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[India politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian Parliament]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Islamic history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jewish history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jewish Muslim relations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[national interest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nishikant Dubey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prophet Muhammad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rabbi Mukhayriq]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[religious harmony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Waqf Amendment Bill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Waqf properties]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Waqf reforms]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://millichronicle.com/?p=54489</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Prophet Mohammad honored him by saying, &#8220;He was the best of the Jews&#8221;, recognizing his noble spirit and contribution to]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-post-author"><div class="wp-block-post-author__avatar"><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da0fecca1cd894ef4dd226db7fb10b01?s=48&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da0fecca1cd894ef4dd226db7fb10b01?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-48 photo' height='48' width='48' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/></div><div class="wp-block-post-author__content"><p class="wp-block-post-author__name">Zahack Tanvir</p></div></div>


<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>Prophet Mohammad honored him by saying, &#8220;He was the best of the Jews&#8221;, recognizing his noble spirit and contribution to the broader cause.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>On April 2, 2025, during a intense parliamentary debate over the Waqf Amendment Bill, India&#8217;s ruling party&#8217;s lawmaker Nishikant Dubey made a striking reference that caught the attention of both historians and common citizens alike. While defending the bill, which proposes to bring structural reforms and inclusivity to the administration of waqf properties, Dubey cited the example of a 7th-century Jewish scholar and leader—Rabbi Mukhayriq. </p>



<p>His words triggered a wave of curiosity about a figure not often mentioned in popular discourse—especially within Indian political conversations. Who was this Rabbi, and why is he relevant in today’s debate on religious property and national interest?</p>



<p><strong>Who Was Rabbi Mukhayriq?</strong></p>



<p>Rabbi Mukhayriq was a prominent Jewish scholar and wealthy landowner from the Banu Tha’labah tribe of Medina. He lived during the time of Prophet Mohammad and is remembered in Islamic and Jewish historical traditions for his courageous and selfless actions during the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE.</p>



<p>On the day of the battle, the city of Medina faced an imminent threat from the Quraysh tribe of Mecca. As fate would have it, the day fell on the Sabbath—a holy day for Jews, on which work and combat are generally forbidden. Despite this religious restriction, Rabbi Mukhayriq gathered his people and urged them to fight alongside the Muslims to defend their shared homeland. When his fellow tribesmen hesitated due to Sabbath laws, he rebuked them and reportedly said, “You have no Sabbath”, stressing that the defense Medina was a higher moral responsibility.</p>



<p>Rabbi Mukhayriq went to the battlefield and fought alongside the Muslim army. He died in the battle, becoming one of the few Jewish martyrs in the defense of Medina. He was buried in the &#8216;Shoda-e-Uhud&#8217; graveyard alongside Prophet&#8217;s uncle Hamza Bin Abdul-Mutallib.</p>



<p>Before leaving, he had instructed that all his wealth—including several orchards—be handed over to Prophet Mohammad. The Prophet accepted this and used the wealth to establish one of Islam’s first <em>waqf</em> (charitable endowments), which was used to serve the poor and support the growing Muslim community.</p>



<p>Prophet Mohammad honored him by saying, &#8220;He was the best of the Jews&#8221;, recognizing his noble spirit and contribution to the broader cause.</p>



<p><strong>A Lesson in Interfaith Unity</strong></p>



<p>What makes Rabbi Mukhayriq’s story timeless is not just his bravery, but the message it carries about interfaith cooperation. At a time when divisions between communities often lead to conflict, Mukhayriq’s sacrifice reminds us that people of different faiths can—and have—worked together for the common good—to defend the national cause.</p>



<p>The Battle of Uhud wasn’t just a military confrontation—it was a moment that tested the moral fabric of Medina’s diverse society. The actions of Rabbi Mukhayriq exemplify that protecting a shared homeland and values sometimes means putting community above personal interests—even above religious norms. </p>



<p>It also highlights how early Muslims and Jews, despite theological differences, stood together when it mattered most.</p>



<p><strong>Relevance in Modern India</strong></p>



<p>MP Nishikant Dubey’s invocation of Mukhayriq during the Waqf Amendment Bill debate wasn’t accidental. The bill proposes to broaden waqf board membership to include non-Muslim experts and aims to improve transparency and governance in the management of waqf properties—assets donated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law.</p>



<p>Supporters of the bill argue that involving non-Muslims, especially legal and financial professionals, can improve efficiency and reduce corruption. Critics, however, view it as state interference in religious affairs. India&#8217;s Home Minister Amit Shah stated that, non-Muslims shall not interfere into religious affairs come what may.</p>



<p>Dubey’s reference to Mukhayriq was used to draw a powerful parallel—that the spirit of community service and unity across faith lines is not alien to Islamic tradition. He framed the reforms not as interference, but as an invitation to all Indians, regardless of religion, to participate in nation-building and the transparent management of shared resources.</p>



<p><strong>A Legacy Worth Remembering</strong></p>



<p>Rabbi Mukhayriq&#8217;s legacy is more than a footnote in Islamic history—it is a shining example of moral courage, selflessness, and the power of interfaith unity. In times where communal tensions are often stoked for political gain, his story serves as a reminder that the higher cause of justice, harmony, and national interest can—and should—transcend religious boundaries.</p>
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