Why can't I refuse a skull cap and still be secular ?

It is interesting to see headlines that Narendra Modi has made during his Sadbhavna mission. Whatever be his motives for the Sadbhavna mission, many of the headlines have been about his refusing to accept a kaffiyeh offered by a Muslim. In September, he had also turned down a skull cap offered by a Muslim cleric. Part of the media which cannot see anything good in Modi, immediately went to town about how he had refused to accept the gestures from Muslims even though this was a Sadbhavna mission — and hinted that this was an insult to Muslims in general. I am yet to come across any article that takes a stand that there is nothing wrong in what Modi did. In the diet of secularism that we have been fed for decades, you are secular if you wear or display the religious symbols of other religions on certain religious occasions. I am a non-devout Hindu who hardly ever visits the temple and along with temples, I have also visited dargahs, gurudwaras and churches. When I visited the dargah in Ajmer Sharif, I covered my head as I did when I visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar. But that does not mean that I will wear a skull cap or a turban during Id or Guru Nanak Jayanti to prove my secularism. I have had some excellent biryani during Id, at some of my Muslim friends' houses without being asked to or feeling the need to wear a skull cap. I can be secular and not hate any religion without an overt display of symbolism for or against any religion.

Those who question Modi's refusal to wear a skull cap are probably enamored by our so called secular leaders wearing them. Those who question Modi's refusal to wear a skull cap are probably enamored by the images of our so called secular leaders wearing skull caps during Id and enjoying iftaar parties. Have these same people offered a shawl to their Muslim friends with Om Nama Shivay or Jai Shri Ram or Ma Durga ki jai written on it? Will any Muslim leader — political or religious — wear it with pride in a public function? The answer in all likelihood is "No". And there is nothing wrong with it.

A Muslim doesn't believe in idol worship and he believes in one god and therefore, he will not indulge in such symbolism to prove his credentials that he does not hate other religions. What will be the reaction of the secular media if a Hindu leader offers these to a Muslim leader in a public function? I do not need to even answer that. Similarly Modi, possibly a devout Hindu in deed and thoughts, does not believe in the symbolism which has become a part and parcel of our political discourse. As he says, if he gets water and power into a village or city, people irrespective of religion and caste can enjoy the fruits of the same. That is exactly what is happening in Gujarat today, although decades of misrule will not be undone in ten years. I remember during my visit to Ahmedabad a few months back and my small talk with a Muslim businessman who said, "When the state grows economically, we all do well and our business also does well." That is the bottom-line. And to give that to the citizens of this country there is no need to wear skull caps or kaffiyeh or attend Dussehra at Ramlila maidan (by all means do all these if you want to enjoy yourselves but not to gain votes and to greet "Muslim and Hindu brothers and sisters"), if you are of another religion in much the same way as a non-Hindu does not need to wear a shawl with Jai Shri Ram inscribed on it or carry a trishul during Ramlila! And on 20th November in Porbandar, Modi did accept a saffron shawl with tridents, damru and Om Namah Shivayah printed on it from a group of Muslims and also an idol of Ganesha. I will be happy to see Modi offering a skull cap or a kaffiyeh to a Muslim leader rather than offer him a trident or a shawl inscribed with Jai Shri Ram on it. It is time to give up symbolic gestures, but to do the right thing for the people. Narendra Modi is showing the way. Hopefully, the media will highlight those rather than try to rake up controversies where none exist.

If Jesus was GOD........

If Jesus was GOD:

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in Mark 12:29 Jesus said "Here, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." The words "our God" indicate that Jesus had a higher God over him, a stronger God than him. Jesus didn't say "Your God". He said "our God" which includes Jesus as the creation of GOD.

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in John 20:17 Jesus said I ascend to my God and your God? This tells us that we and Jesus have a common GOD.

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in John 8:28 Jesus said "I do nothing of myself"? Can't GOD do anything he wills?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in John 14:28 Jesus said "My Father (GOD) is greater than I"?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in Luke 23:46 Jesus said "Father (GOD), into thy hands I commend my spirit"?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in Matthew 19:16 Jesus said "Why call me good, there is none good but One, that is GOD"?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in Matthew 26:39 Jesus begged his GOD to have mercy on him and to pass the cup to death (kill Jesus in another words) before Jesus goes through the pain of crucifixion? Also see: Jesus's crucifixion in Islam

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in John 18:38 he didn't reply when he was asked about the truth?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in Matthew 24:36 Jesus told his followers that no one (including Jesus) knows when the judgment day will come, only GOD knows?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in Isiah 11:2-3 GOD had put the spirit of fearing GOD in Jesus?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in John 5:31 Jesus told his followers that if he (Jesus) bears witness of himself, then his record is not true?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in John 5:30 Jesus told his followers that he can't do a single thing of his own initiative?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in John 5:36-38 Jesus said that GOD had assigned him (Jesus) work and GOD is a witness on Jesus?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in John 5:32 Jesus told his followers that they have never seen GOD at anytime nor ever heard his voice?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why did he pray to his GOD in Luke 5:16?

• If Jesus was GOD, then why in Matthew 26:39 Jesus fell on his face and prayed to his GOD?

The "God" Title:

How come Christians take the "God" (theos in Greek) title literally with Jesus in Isiah 9:6 and they don't take it literally for the rest of the prophets and people who were called Gods ?
The Prophets who were called "God" in the Bible are as follows:

• Prophet Moses in Exodus 7:1

• The Devil in Corinthians 4:4 (the word for God in this verse is theos in Greek, the same used for Jesus that was translated as "God")

• Multiple Prophets in Psalms 82:6

• King David in Psalm 45:3

Note: The only unique title given to GOD in the Bible that was not given to others at all are Jehova, GOD, and GOD LORD. "God", "Most Mighty" and "Almighty One" are titles that were given to Jesus, other Prophets and to Satan himself in the Bible.

Very important note: Did you know that in the languages of Arabic and Hebrew the father of the house can be called the God of the house? Jesus was the God (father or leader) of his people and their father according to Isiah 9:6. Jesus being the leader and the king, it is normal for him to be called the father of his people (Father in Isiah 9:6), and because he is their father he automatically becomes their God. My father is my God in Arabic and Hebrew.

The "Son" Title:
How come Christians take the "God's Son" title literally with Jesus and they don't take it literally for the rest of the prophets and people who were called the Sons of God?

• In John 3:16 Jesus was called God's only Begotten Son.

• In Exodus 4:22 "Thus saith Jehova, Isreal is my son, even my firstborn." Isreal was called God's First Son.

• In Jeremiah 31:9 "I am a father to Isreal, and Ephraim is my firstborn." Ephraim is God's First Son and First Born.

• In Psalm 2:7 "... Jehova had said onto me (David), thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." David was called God's Begotten Son.

Were Jesus's Miracle's Unique?
If Jesus is believed to be GOD because he could do miracles, he could heal leprosy, he could cause blind men to see, or raise the dead, then what about the others who performed the same miracles?

• Elisha and Elijah fed a hundred people with twenty barley loaves and a few ears of corn (2 Kings 4:44).

• Elisha told Naaman, who was a leper, to wash in the river Jordan (2 Kings 5:14) and he was healed. Elisha caused a blind man to see in (2 Kings 6:17,20).

• Elijah and Elisha raised the dead in (1 Kings 17:22, and 2 Kings 4:34). Even Elisha's dead bones restored a dead body in (2 Kings 13:21).

• Indeed Jesus had prophesied that people will worship him uselessly and will believe in doctrines not made by GOD but by men "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9)"

• In Matthew 15:9 above, we see Jesus warning that Trinity (the bogus lie) will dominate, and people will take Jesus as GOD and worship him, which is a total sin according to what Jesus said !!

• Allah Almighty (GOD) in the Noble Quran (The Muslims' Holy Scripture) states in Verse 5:72 "They do blaspheme who say: 'God is Christ the son of Mary.' But said Christ: 'O Children of Isreal ! worship God, my Lord and your Lord.' "

• Also in Noble Verse 5:73 "They do blaspheme who say God is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One God. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them."

• And also in Noble Verse 4:171 "O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of God aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of God, ..."

The Point that I am trying to prove:
               Muslims believe that Prophet Jesus peace be upon him is a messenger from God. He was sent from God Almighty to deliver God's words to his people. Jesus was never God, nor ever claimed to be God. Jesus was a humble wonderful human being just like the rest of the Prophets and Messengers of God. Muslims also believe that Jesus was never crucified, nor ever died on the cross, nor ever wanted to die on the cross, nor ever was sent to earth to die on the cross (checkout this site for further proof Answering Trinity).

Presenting the true condigtion of Muslims in Gujarat and India

PRESENTING THE TRUE CONDITIONS OF MUSLIMS IN GUJARAT AND INDIA..

For some years, to spit venom against the Govt. of Gujarat, has become a fashion statement.
And, mind well, many of them are utter lies with malicious intentions and they have been spread throught India. The truth regarding Gujarat Govt.’s intentions and Shri Narendra Modi’s policies have not been projected in the accurate light. These lies propagate that Muslims are severely discriminated against and persecuted in Gujarat. It is a malevolent attempt by anti-Gujarat elements and political enmity to break the spinal cord of fast track progress rate of today’s Gujarat and to strike a blow on the good governance led by Shri Narendra Modi. Misconceptualations and Misinterpretentions have become the back bone of their Modi and Gujarat bashing agenda.
As a result of this campaign, it has been widely projected all around that Muslims in Gujarat are economically and socially segregated and are living in extremely backward conditions.This is far from the truth.
The conditions of Muslims has become the strongly debatable issue by the Congress led UPA Govt. at the centre.. In the year 2006, the Hon. P.M. Shri Manmohan Singh appointed a high power committee headed by the Honorable Justice Shri Rajinder Sachar. This committee was requested to undertake a detailed study of the economic, social and educational conditions of Muslims in the whole of India. The Sachar Committee after the thorough study has submitted a detailed report of over 400 pages. This report is like a shining Sun risen to dispel darkness created by widespread lies about Gujarat. This carefully compiled report projects that the Muslims are happiest in Gujarat. These survey done by a committee initiated by the UPA Govt. illuminates the fact that so called “activists” and “columnist” are deploying their energy and resources to intentionally destroy the harmony among the people of Gujarat.
Muslims are the happiest in Gujarat and how far the anti-Gujarat elements have harmed the interests of Muslims, opens up clearly in front of your eyes...
THE TRUTH IS..
Muslims in educational field.. {Sachar Committee Report:Page 287]
Literacy Rate for all Indians : 64.8%                      Literacy rate in Gujarat :69.1%
Literacy rate for Hindus in India :65.1%                Literacy rate for Hindus in Gujarat :68.3%
Literacy rate for Muslims in India :59.1% {5 points lower than India average}       Literacy rate for Muslims in Gujarat :73.5% {8 points higher than India average.}


Literacy rate in urban areas..{Sachar Committee report:page 287}
All Indians : India Urban 80%                      Gujarat Urban 82%
Muslims :India Urban 70%                           Gujarat Urban 76%
Muslim Males : India Urban 76%                Gujarat Urban :84%
Muslim females: India Urban 63%               Gujarat Urban 68%
IN GUJARAT, MUSLIM FEMALES IN URBAN AREAS BENEFIT WITH AVERAGE LITERACY RATE 5 POINT HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE AND MUSLIM MALES ACHIEVE EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE HIGHER BY 8% THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.


Literacy rate in rural areas :{Sachar Committee report: page 287}
All Indians : India Rural 59%                            Gujarat Rural 61%
Muslims All : India Rural 59%                          Gujarat Rural 61%
Muslim Males : India Rural 62%                      Gujarat Rural 81%
Muslim Females :India Rural 43%                    Gujarat Rural 57%
IN GUJARAT, MUSLIM FEMALES IN RURAL AREAS BENEFIT WITH AVERAGE LITERACY RATE 14 POINTS HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE AND THE MUSLIM MALES ACHIEVE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCY, HIGHER BY 19% IN RURAL GUJARAT THAN THE AVERAGE NATIONAL RURAL.
One of the noticeable features of education among Muslims in Gujarat is, most Muslims are obtaining mainstream education and very low number of Muslim students are studying in Madrassas than the other states. They are educated in Govt. or Private Schools with the students of other religions. [NCERT Survey]
Number of Villages where population of Muslims is more than 1000 and there is no facility of a school..{Sachar Committee Report, page no. 294}
In the year 2001..
Gujarat had 6 such villages in comparison to 827 in West Bengal and 1365 in Uttar Pradesh.
but today, Gujarat can boastfully announce that this folly has been completelt eradicated and there is no such village without the school facility..


MUSLIMS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICES: {Sachar Committee Report:Page no. 371}
home department:[proportion of Muslims in high posts]
States                      Proportion of Muslims in total populations, in %                      Proportion of Muslims in high posts, in %
Gujarat                                                 9.1%                                                                    7.9%
West Bengal                                        25.2%                                                                 16.6%
Maharashtra                                         10.6%                                                                 1.9%
Kerala                                                   24.7%                                                                 7.3%
Assam                                                   30.9%                                                                  2.o%
Delhi                                                     11.7%                                                                  4.o%


IN GUJARAT, PROPOTION OF MUSLIMS IS 9.1% AND OUT OF WHICH, 9.4% ARE IN HIGHER POSTS AND MUSLIMS IN LOWER CADRE EMPLOYMENT IS 17.1%.


BANK ACCOUNT AND BALANCE AMOUNT [YEAR 2002 TO 2005, Sachar Committee Report: page no.351]
Gujarat..                                 Account wise average of Muslims Rs. 32,932.
West Bengal                         Account wise average of Muslims Rs. 13,824
Assam                                   Account wise average of Muslims Rs. 26,319


This means that Muslims are comfortable to save more in Gujarat, while the economic conditions of Muslims in West Bengal and Assam are extremely bad.


PER CAPITA INCOME, PER MONTH OF MUSLIMS :{Sachar Committee Report: page 365}
Rural Sector: Gujarat-Rs. 668 [Hindus Rs. 644, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Rs. 527 and other backward classes Rs. 594]
West Bengal –Rs. 501
Assam –Rs. 511
Andhra Pradesh- Rs. 610
Orissa-Rs. 447
Uttar Pradesh- Rs.509.
THE PER CAPITA INCOME PER MONTH IN RURAL MUSLIMS IN GUJARAT IS 20 TO 25% MORE THAN THE MUSLIMS LIVING IN THE RURAL AREAS IN OTHER STATES AND IT IS ALSO MORE THAN THE OTHER PEOPLE OF GUJARAT. THE AVERAGE INCOME OF RURAL MUSLIMS IN INDIA IS RS. 533, WHERE AS, IN GUJARAT, IT IS MUCH MORE.


PER CAPITA INCOME, PER MONTH OF MUSLIMS :{Sachar Committee Report: page no. 364.}
Urban Sector : Gujarat-Rs. 875
West Bengal- Rs. 748
Andhra Pradesh- Rs. 803
Uttar Pradesh- Rs. 662
Orissa- Rs. 785
THE AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME OF MUSLIMS IN THE CITIES OF INDIA IS Rs. 804, WHILE INCOME OF MUSLIMS IN GUJARAT IS MUCH MORE.
This statistics by Central Govt. led committee have presented a clear and ingenuous picture. This report is a befitting reply to those who are ever active to defame Gujarat.
The Sachar Committee Report has arrived as a ray of Truth in the midst of darkness created by the storm of lies. Policies and Projects, in Gujarat are not decided on the basis of religion, neither by the C.M. NOR BY THE Gujarat Administration.. but purely on the basis of impartial distribution. All Welfare Schemes are implemented without any kind of discriminations.
And..
Most importantly, Muslims also have to recognize those elements, who utilize them as their VOTEBANK only. They also have to understand that other states have givewn lesser support to Muslims and they are left suffering economically, socially and provided with lesser educational opportunity.
The misrepresentation and ignorance of factual conditions has been taken to excessive lengths to drive their unfavourable agenda. The campaign of falsity against Gujarat should end and there should be joint efforts to work towards communal harmony and equality for all the interests of our country.