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Interview with Babar R. Chaudhry for The Nation Newspaper.

Dear readers - Arrahman-Arraheem Network does not need any introduction; its website, within its very first year of launch was acclaimed as the most visited website. Arrahman-Arraheem TV Channel is immensely popular within the masses.
Arrahman-Arraheem Network is one of a kind that is working globally for peace and presenting a soft image of Pakistan and also removing the misconceptions of extremism and terrorism. It is making a lot of contribution for the development of Pakistan and highlighting all the issues that are there against unity, faith & discipline
The Network aims not only to promote the true image of Islam but is also striving to revive the national spirit in each and every Pakistani; so that he can work within his domain or capacity for the betterment of Pakistan and for the removal of misconception against Islam.
Today we are very fortunate to have the founder of Arrahman-Arraheem Network Mr Babar R Chaudhry with us. We shall talk to him about his network and seek his input about the efforts Arrahman-Arraheem network especially the help they are providing to eradicate the acts of national and international terrorism which are committed in the name of Islam.

Q. 1. Please tell us about your family background and how you were initially involved in propagation of Islam?

I was born in a Sunni family in Karachi. My maternal family Qutb Shahi Awan is a well known family of Chakwal due to their religious background. For more than 100 years we have produced eminent religious scholars and Hafiz-e-Quran. In my childhood, the observance of the basic pillars of Islam like Namaz and Fasting in Ramadan were given special attention by my mother. I can recall that she would not allow me to have breakfast until she was sure that I had offered the morning (Fajr) prayers. I was in America in the 1990s when the first Gulf war started. After this war many people in America embraced Islam and during the same time I met a few Christian scholars about whom I have talked in detail in my earlier interview. This event had brought about a paradigm change in my life and I realized that every Muslim apart from basic knowledge about the 5 pillars of Islam must posses enough knowledge about Islam so that he can provide correct and authentic information to non-Muslims.

Q 2. Please tell our readers about the aims and objectives of Arrahman-Arraheem Network?

The primary aim of our network is to work for the benefit of our Deen and our country – Pakistan, we produce talk-shows and documentaries especially to strengthen Pakistan and for its progress. The aim is to motivate love for our country amongst the masses and create a sense of responsibility so that they can participate in a positive manner towards the betterment of Pakistan. Through our Network, we highlight the importance of good social values and character, human rights issues within our society and work in our capacity as an Ummati (follower) of Prophet Muhammad SAW towards achieving a prosperous Islamic society. Moreover, we also answer the queries of newly converted Muslims about Islam and provide information about the basic principles of Islam i.e. Oneness of Allah, Prayers (Salaat), Fasting (Roza), Charity (Zakat) and Pilgrimage (Haj). We also try to provide all necessary Quranic and Hadith information to newly converted Muslim to help them become better human beings. In addition we also take necessary measures within our means through our network to eliminate misconceptions about Islam. We also globally condemn extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. And we are ever ready to spread the true spirit of Islam which is peace and harmony. We also act as a bridge between various religious communities as inter-faith dialogue is also a part of our aims; so that the true spirit of Islam which peace, harmony and universal brotherhood can be propagated to humanity so that various misconceptions about Islam which are prevalent in the international atmosphere can be removed and the true message of Islam be spread out to each and every individual.

Q 3. How do you compare Arrahman Arraheem network with other media channels in our society?
One thing I would like to make clear is that Arrahman-Arraheem network is one of a kind channel due its non-commercial nature and works on a self help basis. As you already know the basic purpose of our programmes is to promote the rights of an individual, build character, inspire the national spirit and a sense of responsibility. There is a long list of our programmes and I would like to mention a few of them. We did a programme at Edhi homes on Parental rights; and as a result of this programme many families have been reunited; another one was to save the younger generation from drug abuse.
We have produced innumerable programmes on the virtues of unity amongst Muslims, the menace of sectarianism amongst the Muslim Ummah, women’s rights and the importance of their education, health and environmental pollution and traffic perils.
Some of our other salient programmes were made on the life of special children, inmates of Karachi Jail, dialogues with judges at the judicial academy and a documentary on the disaster relief operations in the aftermath of the Kashmir earthquake of October 2005. Apart from this we participate in the APNA convention, the ISNA convention, the Pakistan day parade in New York and Toronto on regular basis. We have also propagated the Islamic message of peace and harmony in the presence of international delegates in conference at the United Nations. You can get detailed information about our programmes on our channel or by visiting www.arrahman-arraheem.com.

Q 4. As a founder of Arrahman Arraheem Network, have you ever experienced obstacles and difficulties while working on such a noble cause?

It can be witnessed by studying history that all the Prophets & Messengers (PBUH) experienced difficulties and obstacles in their lifetime while performing their noble task. Similarly 1400 years ago when Khatim un Nabiyeen (SAW) came to spread the message of peace and unity and led the humanity out of darkness into the light; human beings did not even spare him. They even tortured the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Rahmat al Alameen and made him bleed at Taif. They tried to stop him (SAW) by sowing seeds of hatred against him, garbage was thrown upon him and the people of those times tried to accuse him and his family of participating in immoral acts. But Prophet Muhammad (SAW) faced all these problems with patience, dedication and commitment. Similarly, even in the times of Sahaba Karam (RA) they also suffered many difficulties when promoting Islam and practicing acts of nobleness in the society. From all this we have learnt that since time immemorial obstructions and obstacles in various forms, including false rumours have been placed in the path of good deeds and piety; and every noble man has to pass through this test in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The reason may be because sometimes truthfulness comes in between the aims and objectives of certain people - because they are jealous of those who work for prosperity of the society.
As far as we are concerned, we are working for this cause as a common Ummati of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) but even then we have to face the difficult times and unnecessary, false accusations. But it is our endeavour that we should remain attached with the Sunnah of Prophet (SAW) and remain dedicated, committed and persistent in our cause.

Q 5. Have there been efforts to spread rumours and misconceptions about your work?

Yes, every society consists of good and bad people. There has been and was an effort to spread misconceptions and misunderstanding about myself and my work; at times people tried to spread false rumours about me. But all praise to Allah, I have been working selflessly with full devotion for the last 18 years which is in front of everybody like an open book. Our nation knows this and they have a very vivid picture about our work - they love us and pray for us and do not pay heed to such rumours. This is also because we make our programmes giving the utmost consideration to our Deen and our country. We constantly remain in touch with the masses and especially with prominent religious personalities and take their guidance and blessings.

Q 6. In your opinion, what is the purpose of spreading false accusations and rumours?

These acts cause a lot of harm to any nation. But very briefly I would say that misconceptions; misunderstandings and false rumours are levelled against good and pious people to make them controversial in the society and to reduce peoples’ trust on them - to stop the good work from reaching its destination.

Q 7. You work internationally where in the name of “freedom of speech” accusations have been made on Muslims and efforts have been made to defame the image of Islam. What has your network has done on this issue?

Yes, internationally whenever and wherever anything was done against the sanctity & dignity of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we within the sphere of the law of the land - recorded our condemnation to such acts at all levels.
We produced programs on “freedom of speech” at both national and international levels. These programs included statements of not only eminent religious personalities but also foreigners who condemned this act and these programs were aired in approximately 164 countries around the world. Similarly in colleges and universities all around the world students affiliated with Arrahman-Arraheem network condemned this act in their own capacity; because no one has the right to use inappropriate or obscene language or imagery not only against our Prophet (SAW) but any other Prophets (AS) of Allah. We explained it to non-muslims and media abroad that as Muslims we believe in all the Prophets (AS) and respect them; and Non-Muslims do not have any right to degrade the sanctity of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In this context, we participated in various activities undertaken to condemn these acts and during those programmes non-Muslims themselves said that it was an incorrect act committed in the garb of freedom of speech. Through our approach foreign newspapers put across the muslim point of view in a much better way.
Similarly we remain in the frontline to defend the Khatm e Nabuwat (SAW) in the domestic and international arena. I myself have wrote two Naat on this issue. The first one “Rahain Bhataknay Walay” invites towards repentance and deeds of righteousness. I would like to narrate few verses of the second Naat “Tu hi Khalq e Awaleen hai, Tu hi Khataman nabiyeen hai, Tu na hota tou is dunya main andhairon kay siwa kuch na tha, tairay wajood sae hui roshni, tu siraaj hai tu munir hai. You must have seen and heard this Naat on our and other media network. Likewise in every lecture there is always some point regarding the protection of Khatm e Nabuwat with the objective to drive home in the mind of both our elders and youngsters - that our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the final Prophet and there is no Prophet or Messenger of Allah after him (SAW). Similarly, we ask them to learn the Hadith “I am the final prophet and there is no prophet after me” which pertains to finality (Khatm e Nabuwat) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We solemnly make this pledge that we will defend the belief of ‘Khatm e Nabuwat’ and prestige of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) all around the world till our death, May Allah be with us.

Q 8. You have delivered very limited number of lectures, why is this so?

You have asked an important question and the reason for my delivering limited lectures is that I only discuss issues pertaining to character building, human rights, promotion of virtues in the society and nation building aspects; and I shall continue this discourse on these issues.

Q 9. It is my observation that when people come towards Islam, few of them disregard the importance of Ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), what is the reason for this?

Whenever someone rejects the Ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he rejects reasons for revelation and in addition rejects Prophet’s SAW life and historical events. Whatever the Prophet SAW said and did, whatever he permitted and whatever he forbid and whatever he did not comment upon forms part of the Sunnah Rasool (SAW). And whosoever rejects the statements and deeds, Hadith or teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) then his intentions are to sway us Muslims away from the right direction. If we come across such individuals who rejects hadith than we must refrain from such individuals and contact religious personalities and confirm the truthfulness of such individual.

Q 10. What are your views on religious personalities and their efforts in the propagation of Islam. And when you encounter any issues pertaining to Fiqahi Massahil (queries related to Fiqah) what do you do?

No Muslim can ever overlook the importance and efforts put in by our religious scholars for the cause of Islam. They have dedicated their entire lives for the Deen of our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and work selflessly for its promotion and propagation. Quran highlights this effort and states that amongst men only learned ones fear Allah. We therefore respect the religious personalities of all sects and we hold them in high esteem. We value their effort towards Islam. As far as Fiqahi matters are concerned I refer all such queries to religious scholars because they are the experts on such matters.

Q 11. What is terrorism in your opinion and how has it affected the humanity?

Terrorism is not confined to Pakistan it is in fact an international issue due which the entire world is engulfed in uncertainty. It has also influenced the World’s economic system, people are dying for no fault of their own, children are being orphaned, and once the sole breadwinner of a family dies no one can realize the trauma, ordeal and suffering of that family except those who are undergoing such situations. Today the world has turned into a global village but owing to terrorism, barriers have been placed between mankind. Terrorism is the enemy of peace and seeks to engulf society with the misery of uncertainty and fear. Terrorist brings a state of fear into the hearts and minds of peace loving people living in peaceful countries by instilling in them the fear of loss of life and destruction of property & possessions to further their political and ideological aims. Terrorism stops the economic activity by destroying the peace within the society, because terrorists only believe in governing people through fear. They spread terror and panic to destabilize the country, to diminish people’s trust in the government and political leaders to bring political change. Whenever there is an instance of terrorism, you will notice that people are in shock, and when any human being goes in shock he becomes silent; and then he remains so on any injustice, deprivation or violation of his rights. It thus transforms that terrorism aims towards silencing individuals and diverting their attention. The first and foremost of its objectives is to gain attention thereby conveying its message though the global media. The entire community of intellectuals, scholars, religious clerics, political leaders and common man is convinced that terrorism is not acceptable in any form and manifestation irrespective of cause or reason behind it. No religion or civilization in the world validates terrorist activities. The complete manifestation of this belief is provided by Islam which terms terrorism as “Fasaad fil Ard”, mischief or waywardness in earth. This means that whosoever whether a nation, individual or a group creates mischief or trouble on earth are terrorists. Sura Al Maida of the Quran states that whosoever kills a human being…., it shall be taken as if he had killed all mankind. Thus Islam is all about giving life and not about snatching it away.

Q 12. What are the reasons for terrorism in Pakistan?
There can be quite a few reasons:

1. Some people due to their ignorance & lack of knowledge go astray and become part of terrorism.
2. Some people due to their ignorance fall pray to Personality worship and are used in the name of Islam.
3. A few people are those who deliberately distort the explanation of Deen and exploit innocent people for their ill motives.
4. Some are those who due to social injustice and failures in life fall victim because of revenge and desperation.
5. In our country the biggest reason for terrorism are the enemies of Islam and Pakistan who want to destabilize our motherland.

Q 13. What have you and your network has done on this issue?

There are three ways to stop terrorism as stipulated in the Hadith of Prophet SAW; that stop the bad deeds by hand or tongue or than at least consider it bad in your heart. It is the responsibility of the government and law enforcing agencies to stop it by hand; we utilize our media to prevent this menace. We produce documentaries to promote piety, so that it spreads and our population develops insight and works together for deeds of righteousness. We must have a clear description of friend and foe to fight terrorism. In these documentaries we have highlighted the plight, pain and state of the innocent victims of terrorism who have lost their near and dear ones in terrorist activities to indicate that terrorist have chosen the wrong way to take revenge of their grief. In this context we relate the teachings of Quran and Hadith SAW to strengthen the hearts of people and to inspire them with fear of Allah and towards forgiveness. As far as efforts to relate Islam with terrorism are concerned, we also work in different areas to thwart these activities. We participated in a conference held in the United Nations and highlighted the true spirit of Islam which is peace and harmony in front of the audience consisting of delegates representing different countries around the globe. We informed them that Islam is a religion of peace, universal brotherhood, goodness and equality. You can see all these activities on our channel and website. We look forward to such opportunities so that we can correct the misconception about Islam and Pakistan which is prevalent in the international community, because Pakistan is not a terrorist country; it is in fact a victim of terrorism.

Q 14. Would you like to give any message for our readers?

We are going though a delicate time in history; it is the need of the hour that we must think keeping our national interest, the future of our children in the foreground and then develop intervention strategies to convert various factions into one nation so that we can correct the misconstrued image of Pakistan and Islam. As stated by the Prophet SAW hadith, A Muslim’s example is like a building, if one block is weak it will affect the entire building; therefore we need to return to the basic guiding principles of Islam to improve our state.