23. The true meaning of Jihad

CHAPTER 23

The true meaning of Jihad

Moving forward and standing in front of Jamir, Hakeem said, “You are born in this country, you live in this country and you die in this country. Giving the excuse of jihad you are doing anti-national deeds to this very country which is like a mother to you. Eh, I am a pure Muslim, who does namaz five times a day. Not only that I have read the most sacred text in the world the Koran at least thousand times. I read it daily.”

Hammering on Jamir’s chest, Hakeem said, “Do you know the true meaning of the word ‘Jihad’? Jihad does not mean putting bombs in trains, gullies and bazaars and killing innocent people. Jihad means sacred war. To protect justice. What are you all becoming? You are becoming murderers. You are bringing a bad name to all of us.”

Pointing with two hands, Hakeem said, “I am the only Muslim in this forest. Yet these tribals have built a Masjid for me so that I can do namaz five times a day. Such was the mind of the Indians. How can you people do injustice to such a country like India?”

Touching the ground, Hakeem said, “My India is great. I am praying daily to Allah that I may be born again and again in this country.”

Crying with hand on the ground, Hakeem said to Durga, “My dear, Allah will never forgive such anti-nationals like this fellow. They all will go to hell.”

Chikka came and patted on Hakeem’s back. Both hugged each other. All were silent. Jamir watched with tears in his eyes.

Going near Jamir, pointing to Durga,  Chikka said, “ She has given you offering of life.”

Going near Durga, Chikka said, “You have given him offering of life. Now you only tell what punishment we must give him.”

All were waiting for Durga to speak. Jamir was looking at Durga lovingly with tears in his eyes.

Durga said, “Uncle, please release. Let him return to his children. Let him live as father and mother to those motherless children.”

Looking at the villagers, Chikka ordered, “Release him.”

Villagers released Jamir.

Chikka said, “Our Durga has given you an offering of life. Go. At least from now on instead of doing anti-national deeds in the name of jihad live as father and mother to your motherless children.”

Pointing to Durga, Chikka said, “As this motherly Durga has said.”

Jamir was looking at Durga lovingly with tears in his eyes. Going near her with folded hands, Jamir said, “Daughter Durga, you are really a mother. You have become 2^nd mother to me. You have forgiven me as a mother. By giving me the offering of life you have saved my children. Your heart is so great.”

He looked at the sky, the forest and at the tribals. Finally he looked at Durga.

“All the religions in the world say that even when man dies, his soul does not die.”

With tears in his eyes, Jamir, “But today do you know what has happened to me because of your words? My body is alive but my soul is dead.”

He put his head on the ground and cried.

Sitting down and looking at Durga, Jamir said, “Mother, you have enlightened me. I have understood the real meaning of Jihad because of you. Jihad means sacrificing one’s life for the country in which one is born. I have understood this now. Those terrorists put all sorts of wrong thoughts about Jihad in my mind. I was convinced that killing innocent people and doing anti-national deeds was Jihad. But now I understand. I am happy that I was born in such a sacred land like India.”

Taking the mud in his hands and putting it to his eyes, Jamir said, “My India is great.”

He got up. “I am ready to sacrifice my life for this country. I will try to convert people who are moving on the wrong path like me.”

Saluting, Jamir, “My India is great. Jai India. Jai hind”

Villagers said, “My India is great. Bharat mata ki jai.”

THIS IS THE GREATNESS OF INDIA.

THIS IS THE GOLDEN HEART OF INDIANS.

Let us correct those who have gone to wrong path.

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                                                      THE END
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