A coachload of Muslims en route to maintain a Prophetic tradition – the Walima (wedding feast), begin the journey with a Bollywood song which starts with ‘Oom Mangalam Mangalam’.
It was clear from the dress and some other antics, that the majority would get their way and make it a Bollywood themed trip. However, starting the journey with a Hindu Mantra instead of a supplication (Du’a al-Safr) was one step too far.
I may not know my Bollywood songs, but I know a Hindu mantra when I hear one! So I did my one-man protest and shouted: “Turn that thing off – we are Muslims NOT Hindus, and that is a Hindu mantra”.
Although I won a symbolic victory, the rest of the five hour journey was a collection of recent (with western tunes) and classical Bollywood songs (minus the mantra song), and the occasional Micheal Jackson track. Although I tried to busy myself with newspapers and writing a complaint letter detailing contractual obligations, the ‘background’ music was quite overpowering.
Ordinarily I wouldn’t have had any time for Wacko Jacko, but compared to the Bollywood slow torture – deka hi pehli bar, sajan ki (can’t remember the rest) et al – I couldn’t wait for Jacko’s tracks.
Back to the mantra, I have no problems with Hindus (or other religions for that matter), but there is a time and place for everything. Can you imagine a choir providing the backing vocals to an Imam conducting a Muslim marriage? In case I’ve given anyone a new idea – I don’t think that would be acceptable, and may even cause a riot.
It is not acceptable for Muslims to sing along blindly and chant a Hindu mantra – giving the song as an excuse. Others can do what they like in their religious ceremonies, but that doesn’t mean we adopt their religious practices in our lives.
“For you is your religion, and for me is mine” (Sura Kafiroon, Qur’an).
Incidentally, I am not the only one upset with this particular mantra song. It seems many Hindus are outraged with their religious chants being ridiculed and having scantily clad women dance along to it!
Dear Mr Muhammad Amin,
With such a beautiful name you have “Muhammed Amin”, what were you doing in the coach may i ask, were you giving daw’ah, – masha’allah
lakumdeenukum waliyadeen is a good way to summarise the issue you just raised. Ahsanta.
Ignore br choudhury…
“I have no problems with Hindus (or other religions for that matter), but there is a time and place for everything.”
Br amin, I’m sure you meant that you don’t have a problem with non muslims practicing what they please during their marriage ceremonies, just so long as it doesn’t creep into ours. and not that you have no problem with hinus in essence…
Whats the problem with hindu music or even western music (Jacko)? Since many people say that music is allowed in islam it just gives more fuel to jahilli people to say if islam allows music then whats wrong with this kind of music?
The problem which is highlighted very well by Amin is our reiligon is being diluted with other religons and pratices. The only way we will maintain our princples if we stay away from the doubtful areas so we do not get mislead into haram.
Every one these days are becoming too soft and lovey dovey and trying to please non muslim and show that “US MUSLIMS” are not alien to your ways and can integrate with you!
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