A correlation between Islam in India and the caste system

[adizala]

Namaste.

Before going about trying to find a way to reconvert our Muslim brethren back to Hinduism in mass numbers, we must consider the various means in irradicating the ills of our own religion. In my opinion Hinduism has taught the world the beauty and functionality of tolerance and respect. However, we have not displayed this same set of ideals in our own communities. The caste system is the root evil in Hinduism. This is the result of our misunderstanding of what "caste" means. An individual is not simply born a brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya, or shudra. It is the deeds and personal abilities an individual possesses that determines what "caste" he or she may fall under. Essentially, we are in direct control of what "caste" we fall into. I firmly believe that Islam came to India in order to exploit her and her people. We as Hindu's along with our Sikh and Buddhist brethren were considered kafirs or the lowest form of non-Muslims to the Islamic invaders. This is because we were not "of the book" or those of "Abramic lineage." In simple terms kafirs were also non-Christians and non-Jews, individuals Muslims feel closer towards as a result of the similarities the three religions share through scripture. The Muslim invader zealously wanted every last one of us to accept Islam unconditionally or die. Our caste system further helped the Islamic cause as it divided Hindus into smaller communities who could be easily defeated by the invader. Moreover, individuals of "low caste" or "untouchables" also escaped the injustices of Hinduism by joining a faith(Islam) which prides itself in having equality amongst it's followers. Now in practice, I think we can all agree that Islam is far from being a religion with equality amongst its followers. Just read the Koran. I was appauled by its views on women and I think you will be as well. If all of you forget your differences and unite as one people under one God, we will prevent history from repeating itself. As for the Hindu's who were converted into Islam, it is our duty as Hindu's to atleast present our religions philosophy to give these individuals the option to reconvert. In order to do this, we must present Hindu literature and philosophy in a digestable form. In order to do this I recommend all of you, if you have not done so already to read our holiest scripture, the Bhagavad-Gita. The Gita is the medium in which we will find strength and unity. I have come across many Muslims who believe that Hinduism is weak because it lacks uniformity. To a certain extent this seems like a valid point. Hindu's are extremely concerned with associating with people who speak their dialect or believing that their deity of reverance is supreme to that of others. Read the Gita and you will find that there is only one God in Hinduism. We as a religion will be so such more functional and efficient if we could find unity through one God. For centuries Muslims have used our differences against us. Unity breeds a lack of difference amongst people. Think about it. Before we attempt to welcome back the millions of Hindu's who were converted or converted to Islam, we must reform the ills and dogmas our religion possesses. This will be the only means to retaining our current Hindu population as well as bringing back the many who were forced or sought refuge in Islam. For an individual to change his or her religion, which is essentially their identity, they should find truth and love for the philosophy which they will embrace. At the current moment, there are still weaknesses in Hinduism that we must irradicate. This is a grassroots movement. Fight for equality. Fight for unity. God is with you! Jai Shri Krishna!

 

Please email me at zala@email.unc.edu with any of your thoughts or comments.

[Sephiroth]

Just concentrate on educating Hindu youngsters on what is Hindusm instead of trying to convert back Muslims.

 

If you prevent Hindus from going in the first place, half the problem will be solved and Muslim society, without support from other fractions will soon die out or leave India.