20/05/2026
How Muslim festivals make them violent - Gist from my book "Swift Horses Sharp Swords"
Have you ever considered why Muslims are often portrayed as fierce warriors ready for violence at a moment's notice? It is important to recognize that Islam is not just a religion but also a military and political ideology. The way Muslims live their lives is often focused on being prepared for combat.
Here are some examples of rituals in their lives that can be seen as training for battles:
Ramadan is a month-long festival during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. This fasting period prepares them for situations where they may need to abstain from food for extended periods. While other religions also have fasting practices, they are usually for shorter durations. For example, Hindus may fast for a day(s) during various festivals like Navratri, but they only abstain from certain foods, not all food and drink.
The festival of Bakrid is another significant event in preparing for combat. Muslims raise a goat like a pet for months, becoming attached to it, and then sacrifice it on the day of the festival. This act is witnessed by their children, and the killing is done in a brutal manner, with the animal's throat being slashed so that it dies slowly and painfully.
These practices may seem harsh or extreme to some, but they are deeply rooted in the traditions and beliefs of Islam. They are seen as ways to strengthen one's faith and prepare for the challenges that life may bring, including the possibility of conflict.
This practice prepares Muslims for battles in several ways:
It desensitizes them to the sight of blood, as they become accustomed to seeing it from a young age.
It conditions them for the concept of sacrifice for the cause of Islam, emphasizing that anyone can be sacrificed if they do not align with the larger goals of the community. Over time, this repetitive ritual diminishes the value of love and normalizes violence in their lives.
It familiarizes them with the use of sharp knives, which can be used in times of conflict or riots.
Instances of large amounts of blood flowing in the streets of Bangladesh during Bakrid have caused shock and disgust in other communities, highlighting the extreme nature of this practice.
3. Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol and any form of intoxication, as it is believed to distract the mind from the duties of a fighter.
4. Islamic law allows for multiple marriages and the possession of unlimited slaves, concubines, and mistresses. The practice of instant triple talaq (talaq-e-bidat) was devised to ensure maximum offspring, reflecting a historical encouragement for men to impregnate multiple women. This mindset persists, with women often relegated to the role of childbearing. Consequently, the incidence of r**e within the Muslim community is higher compared to others. Women have been historically viewed as war assets in almost all the Muslim societies. In marriages between Muslims and non-Muslims, the non-Muslim partner is always forced to convert to Islam. Non-Muslims are viewed merely as a source of wealth and women. In Islam, there is a belief that dying for the cause of Islam grants the martyr 72 virgins in paradise, a narrative that appeals to most Muslims.
5. Even a regular namaz is also like a battle formation where a commander is leading the battalion. It inculcates a certain discipline and obedience in the Muslim minds. In contrast, check our temples where the chaos reigns supreme.
The genesis of the Islamic phrase, “You love life, we love death” lies in these rituals.
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