• Diwali is celebrated widely across the UK. However, the accompanying fireworks often extend well beyond the time limit set by the Metropolitan Police.
• This article explores how some Asian Muslims have sadly unknowingly adopted certain practises from Hinduism which fundamentally contradict Islamic teachings.
Tonight, across the U.K., the skies will glow as Diwali—the Hindu festival of lights—is celebrated.
The largest Hindu demographics in the U.K., where the festival will be widely celebrated, are found in Harrow, Brent, and Ealing. In Wembley, temples like the Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir and the renowned BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) draw large gatherings for Diwali prayers and festivities.
Though Southall is known for its Sikh community, a significant Hindu population also calls it home, joining in the Diwali festivities with gusto as Sikhs also celebrate the festival (although for very different reasons). Other significant populations of Hindus are found in Coventry and Leicester. Diwali celebrations in the UK are among the largest outside India.
Firework Displays
I realise I’m about to sound like a nagging Nancy here, it’s therefore important to preface what I’m about to say with the following: I truly believe in the principle of ‘to each their own,’ as this is what my faith teaches me. Moreover, under Islamic rule, people of other faiths are allowed to celebrate their traditions and practise their faith freely. However, what I find beautiful about Islam is that our festivals don’t negatively impact others. For example, you won’t wake up to firecracker debris scattered across the ground the following morning of our celebrations.
The Metropolitan Police state on their website that fireworks are allowed to be used until 11 p.m., with extended hours for certain holidays.
Yet it’s very common for fireworks to continue well past this cutoff on the night of Diwale—sometimes until 3am or the early hours of the morning, even on a school night. While celebratory, these extended fireworks can be an incredible nuisance for neighbours or people in the community who have work, school, or other commitments the following day.
I’ve never fully grasped the allure of fireworks. My interest fades within minutes, and frankly, it is an extravagant waste— quite literally, money going up in smoke.
In stark contrast, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said:
“Do not waste water, even if you perform your ablution on the banks of an infested river.” (Ibn Majah, Book 1, Hadith 424)
Furthermore, fireworks pose significant safety risks, especially for children, with countless accidents occurring each year. They cause much pollution. On the other hand, festivals like Eid al-Adha offer tangible societal benefits: Muslims are encouraged to feed the poor and distribute meat, fostering a spirit of community and generosity.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “ The first thing we do on this day (Eid al-Adha) is to pray, then we return and slaughter our sacrifice. Whoever does that has followed our Sunnah.” Then he said: “Eat from it and feed the poor.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 10, Hadith 2056)
The Milk Miracle
The Milk Miracle incident occurred in September 1995. During this time, many Hindus in the U.K. and around the world reported that statues of Hindu deities, particularly Lord Ganesha, were seemingly drinking milk that devotees offered to them. This phenomenon drew significant media attention and led to large crowds of Hindus attempting to witness the “miracle.”
Later investigations revealed that the milk was actually being absorbed by the porous limestone of the statues, and the phenomenon was attributed to the physical properties of the material rather than a supernatural occurrence.
What Aspects of Hinduism Have Unknowingly Been Embraced by Some Muslim-Asian Communities?
Casteism and Its Connection to Dharma
Casteism is intricately linked to the concept of dharma in Hinduism, which prescribes that individuals fulfill their assigned roles throughout life. Within this belief system, liberation from caste constraints is only attainable through the attainment of spiritual merit, often exemplified by reaching the status of a priest.
Some Asian Muslims have also adopted elements of the caste system which completely stem from Hinduism.
The Case system has nothing to do with Islam!
In India and Pakistan certain Muslim communities have adopted the following caste classifications, which deviate completely from the core teachings of Islam.
For instance, Syeds are those who claim descent from the family of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), though this claim is completely fallacious. Pasmanda often refers to marginalised Muslim communities, while Ashraf designates those falsely regarded as a “higher caste.” Historically, groups such as Rajputs, originally a warrior caste, converted to Islam but wanted to retain their identity in society. Similarly, the Arain, traditionally agriculturalists, and the Sheikh, a group involved in trade and commerce, have also clung to their original caste associations.
Some Asian Muslims, even today, refer to the caste system when considering marriage, which constitutes a significant violation of Islamic teachings. It is disheartening to see the adoption of beliefs that are rooted in Hindu tradition.
Allah swt does not care about what caste you are, be it Aaloo Gobi, Rajput, or any other classification. Such distinctions hold no significance in His eyes. Here’s what the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said in his final sermon about the matter:
“O people, your Lord is One and your father is One. All of you are from Adam, and Adam is from dust. The most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious. An Arab is not superior to a non-Arab, and a non-Arab is not superior to an Arab; a white person is not superior to a black person, and a black person is not superior to a white person, except by piety and good deeds.”
Amulets (Taweez)
The practice of using amulets is deeply embedded in Hindu traditions, where they typically feature sacred symbols, mantras, or inscriptions intended for spiritual protection. This practice was later adopted by Muslims, leading to the creation of taweez. Unfortunately, many Muslims are unaware of the contents of their taweez, which may even contain harmful elements.
The types of Anumets used by Hindus include Yantras (Geometric designs that represent deities and are believed to have protective powers). Talismans (these items contain inscriptions or symbols meant to attract positive energy).
Taweez are a form of shirk, as it implies that objects possess protective powers. True protection comes solely from Allah, and it is through the recitation of Allah’s kalam that we find security and solace.
What Aurangzeb did for Islam in India
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may have removed Islamic history from its school textbooks in India but Islam has always been an integral part of India’s heritage.
Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor who reigned from 1658 to 1707, is a prominent figure in Indian history.
He was known for his piety, daily prayers, and efforts to promote Islamic values in his court and administration. He implemented Sharia law more rigorously than his predecessors, seeking to align his governance with Islamic teachings. He established madrasas and his reign saw an emphasis on Islamic scholarship.
He was a patron of Islamic arts and architecture and commissioned several religious structures, contributing to the Islamic cultural heritage in India.
Furthermore, Aurangzeb represents resistance against external influences. His efforts to maintain the integrity of the Mughal Empire and Islamic governance are seen as a stand against the encroachment of British colonial powers.
Aurangzeb was given the name ‘The Reviver’ as he Revived Islam in the region!
His reign marked the last significant period of Mughal power in India. For Muslims, he embodies the legacy of a powerful Islamic empire that once thrived in the region, serving as a reminder of a time when Islamic rule was prominent in the subcontinent and how it flourished.
Islam in India dates well before the reign of Aurangzeb. Muhammad ibn al-Qasim played an instrumental role in the expansion of Islam from 712 until his death in 715, serving as a governor of Sindh.
