Just because a student who had his own fancies and went astray, doesn't mean you stop your regular life. 5 times namaz is a regular part of a Muslim persons life.
By Asim Khan
Read the Front page Story of today's Mumbai Mirror "After ISIS blot, Arif Majeed's college sets about cleaning house" - Namaz shifted from playground to basement, internet connections secured, trustees counsel students...
Its good that the Anjuman Islam is taking security steps. I don't know how many of you may come forward to criticize my own lifestyle, regarding punctuality of namaz. But the thing which made me think upon, is Namaz so dangerous that it has to be reduced from 5 times to one time? I haven't heard that after arrests of a Hindu or a Christian their institutions stopped or cut down the performance of prayers on campus. Missionaries 'worldwide' or Hindu institutions never hesitated in performing their religious practices in their campuses.
A crime committed by one individual doesn't arise punishment upon the entire community or class. I am wondering what has happened to the Management of the institution. Is the management so afraid or have they lost faith in Islam..? The five times prayer helps in keeping a sound and peaceful mind.
I do believe that religion and academics shouldn't be mixed up as it confuses the students. But am more confused now, what has namaz to do with it? Either you completely stop religious activities in your institution or continue it, but what does this toning down means? A mere reducing namaz from 5 time to once in a day? or shifting its venue to basement from playground?
Anjuman Islam is a Muslim trust, its a minority institution so they allow Islamic practices on their campus but this toning down is a wrong indication, its defaming Islam. Just because a student who had his own fancies and went astray, doesn't mean you stop your regular life. 5 times namaz is a regular part of a Muslim persons life.
I feel the Anjuman Islam trust must reconsider its decision. More than defensive its a defaming measure taken by them..