Aurangzeb’s hatred for Hindus and every non-Muslim is a well-known fact. Yet are we aware that he and his successive generations imposed Sharia laws over non-Muslim subjects, as well?
‘Aurangzeb’ was a cruel and tyrannical ruler who had nothing but animosity towards non-Muslims deep down. During his reign, Aurangzeb fought endlessly to exterminate Hindu identity and religious symbols. He demolished many temples to accomplish this goal, including the Somnath temple, the Bhima Devi temple, the Govind temple, and the Vishveshwur temple, amongst others. Not only did he destroy our temples, but he also looted the tremendous amount of wealth inside them. It was he who deliberately destroyed our idols and effectively propagated Shariah legislation.
Mughals were anti-Hindus
In addition to these anti-Hindu acts, he reinstated the Jizya tax which had been abolished by Akbar. Those who love ‘secular Aurangzeb’ are simply pleading for a mirage. But why is that the case? Because Aurangzeb was an ardent Islamist which led him to kill his brother Dara Shikoh, a testament to his fanaticism. Dara was a balanced and neutral personality who did not harbour any hatred towards Hindus but rather believed in inclusion. As Aurangzeb felt his brother worked against his Islamic values, he resented his brother’s secularism. Due to Dara’s opposition to Aurangzeb’s strict principles of Islamic expansion, he was killed.
The Sanatan Dharma influenced Dara greatly. He was a secular in the true sense of the word. The 52 Upanishads and Bhagawat Gita were translated for Islamic scholars into
And let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – then it is those who are the defiantly disobedient.(47)
And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you, We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.(48)
And judge, [O Muhammad], between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations and beware of them, lest they tempt you away from some of what Allah has revealed to you. And if they turn away – then know that Allah only intends to afflict them with some of their [own] sins. And indeed, many among the people are defiantly disobedient. (49)
Then is it the judgment of [the time of] ignorance they desire? But who is better than Allah in judgment for a people who are certain [in faith] (50)
Persian by him. Surprisingly, today’s secularists are so admiring of Aurangzeb, given that he murdered his brother for practicing secularism.
Prelude to Shariat
The recent visit of Akbaruddin Owaisi to Aurangzeb’s grave was a direct provocation to Hindus and a reminder of the cruel past. Formerly Hindu, Shivsena has turned secular and is following the ideals of Aurangzeb. According to the Quran, Aurangzeb wanted Sharia Laws enacted in India.
Islam requires all Muslims to follow Sharia law regardless of where they reside. Islam’s clergy sought to establish Shariat laws after Babur established the Mughal Empire as they exercised immense influence over the emperors. The Mughal tyrants wanted to implement Sharia law throughout the country. However, they couldn’t. Because non-Muslims, such as Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, practiced their own civil and criminal laws. Therefore, no Mughal emperor could ever take such a step.
Historical Background
As soon as he took charge of Mughal rule, Aurangzeb imposed Shariah criminal law on non-Muslims. Moreover, he imposed a Jizya tax on all non-Muslims. To compile such laws, Aurangzeb brought together scholars from throughout the Muslim world. The document is known as Fatawa-e-Alamgiri in the Hanafi school, which translates to “the Religious Decrees of Alamgir”. In the rest of the Muslim world, it was called Fatawa al-Hindiya.
Aurangzeb acted in accordance with Fatawa-e-Alamgiri. The empire was governed by Islamic laws. Imperial officials strongly condemned prostitution, alcoholism, and gambling. Similar to today’s Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, Hindus were also subjected to rigorous physical punishment. He executed Hindus for adultery and amputated limbs for theft.
Around 1690, the Mughals seized control of Northern India and firmly established Shariat laws. Following Aurangzeb’s death, the Mughal emperors continued to enforce Shariah laws over non-Muslim subjects. As soon as the British captured Bengal in 1757, they began regulating Indian laws under colonial rule. The Hindus thus gained freedom from the oppressive Sharia laws that they had endured for many centuries.
There was one silver lining in the otherwise oppressive colonial rule when the Regulating Act of 1773 attempted to restrict Shariah law only to Muslims. Because the Regulating Act of 1773 was constantly amended, it weakened the Shariah laws over time.
This resulted in the gradual repeal of Shariat criminal laws in 1860. The next step was the introduction of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which continues to exist today with some amendments.
Conclusion
Hindus were subject to brutal Islamic rule during the horrific past. As a matter of fact, Muslims have always been inconsiderate of Hindu interests. As a result of the weak Hindu resistance, the despotic Mughal rulers acted aggressively in eradicating Hindu beliefs. It is very unfortunate that we haven’t managed to achieve mental freedom, even after so many years of freedom. Despite what happened in the past, we remain timid and overwhelmed. Resultantly, we have become weakened and enslaved to the older mindset, which encouraged obedience to the Islamic tyrants. It can still be observed today as we turn a blind eye to the atrocities and brazenness of fanatical Islamists. Our history has been conveniently convoluted by the secular leftists, who have portrayed the tyrants as noble rulers. It’s time to re-write history and bring the truth to light. There is a need for Hindus to reclaim their glorious past, one that is unbridled and pure.
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