Qazi can do anything. A Story from a social media and my analysis. Dr Shabir Choudhry, London.

 Qazi can do anything. A Story from a social media and my analysis.

Dr Shabir Choudhry, London.

A man brought a slaughtered chicken to a poultry seller’s shop and said,

“Brother, please cut this chicken into pieces.”

The shopkeeper replied,

“Leave the chicken here and come back after half an hour to collect it.”

By coincidence, the city judge (Qazi) came to the same shop and said to the shopkeeper,

“Give me this chicken.”

The shopkeeper replied,

“This chicken is not mine; it belongs to someone else, and I don’t have another chicken to give you.”

The Qazi said,

“No problem, just give me this chicken. When the owner comes, tell him that the chicken flew away.”

The shopkeeper said in surprise,

“How can I say that? The man himself slaughtered the chicken. How can a slaughtered chicken fly?”

The Qazi replied,

“Listen carefully to what I say. Just give me this chicken and tell its owner that his chicken flew away. At most, he will bring a case against you to me.”

The shopkeeper said,

“May God protect everyone’s honour,”

and handed the chicken over to the Qazi.

The Qazi left with the chicken.

After a short while, the owner of the chicken returned and asked,

“Have you cut the chicken?”

The shopkeeper replied,

“I had started cutting it, but your chicken flew away.”

The owner said in astonishment,

“How is that possible? I slaughtered it myself! How could it fly?”

An argument started between them, which soon turned into a quarrel. Finally the owner said,

“Let’s go to court and see the Qazi.”

So, both of them headed towards the court.

On the way, they saw two men fighting, one a Muslim and the other a Jew. While trying to separate them, the shopkeeper’s finger accidentally struck the Jew’s eye, causing him to lose his eye. The people caught the shopkeeper and said they would take him to court.

Now, two cases had been filed against the shopkeeper.

As the people were taking him towards the court, he managed to break free and run away. But when people chased him, he ran into a nearby mosque and climbed its minaret.

When people began climbing the minaret to catch him, he jumped down. Unfortunately, he landed on an old man, who died as a result.

Now the old man’s son also joined the others, and they all took the shopkeeper to the Qazi.

When the Qazi saw the shopkeeper, he laughed, because he remembered the chicken. But he did not yet know about the other two cases.

When he was told about all three cases, he held his head in frustration. Then, after turning a few pages of some books, he said,

“We will decide each case separately.”

First, the owner of the chicken was called.

The Qazi asked,

“What is your claim against the shopkeeper?”

The man replied,

“Sir, he stole my chicken. I slaughtered it myself and gave it to him. He says the chicken flew away. How can a dead chicken fly?”

The Qazi asked: “Do you believe in Allah and His power?”

The man said, “Yes, of course.”

The Qazi replied,

“Is Allah not capable of bringing rotten bones back to life? If Allah can do that, then what difficulty is there in your chicken coming back to life and flying away?”

Hearing this, the owner of the chicken fell silent and withdrew his case.

The Qazi said, “Bring the second claimant.”

The Jew was brought forward. He said: “Your Honour, this man poked his finger in my eye and I lost it. I want to poke his eye and make him lose it as well.”

The Qazi thought for a moment and said,

“The compensation for a non-Muslim against a Muslim is half. Therefore first this Muslim will destroy your other eye, and then you may destroy one of his eyes.”

The Jew immediately said,

“No, leave it. I withdraw my case.”

The Qazi then said,

“Bring the third case.”

The son of the dead man came forward and said,

“Your Honour, he jumped on my father and caused his death.”

The Qazi thought for a moment and said,

“Go to that same minaret. You should climb it and jump onto this man in the same way he jumped on your father.”

The young man said,

“But Your Honour, if he moves to the side, I might fall and die!”

The Qazi replied,

“That is not my problem. My job is to deliver justice. Why didn’t your father move aside?”

Hearing this, the young man also withdrew his claim.

Conclusion:

If you have a chicken to give to the Qazi, he will know every trick to save you.

Analysis

This story is a satirical folk tale that criticises corruption, misuse of authority, and manipulation of religious or legal reasoning. Below is a short commentary you could attach when sharing it, which explains the deeper meaning.

The Deeper Meaning of the Story

At first glance, the story appears humorous and absurd. However, it contains a powerful social and political message.

The central character in the story is the Qazi (judge), who represents the authority responsible for delivering justice. In principle, a judge should act with fairness, impartiality, and moral responsibility. Instead, the Qazi in the story uses clever arguments, selective religious reasoning, and legal technicalities to protect himself and avoid responsibility.

The first case illustrates how religious belief can be manipulated. When the owner of the chicken argues that a dead chicken cannot fly, the Qazi invokes belief in God’s power to resurrect the dead. By turning a theological truth into a legal argument, he confuses the claimant and forces him to withdraw his case.

The second case highlights inequality in the legal system. The Qazi cites a rule that the compensation for a non-Muslim is half that of a Muslim, and twists it in such a way that the victim would suffer even greater harm. Faced with this absurd logic, the complainant abandons the case.

The third case shows how justice can become dangerously mechanical when it ignores fairness and common sense. By insisting that the son of the deceased must repeat the same action that caused his father’s death, the judge again ensures that the complainant withdraws.

In all three cases, the Qazi avoids delivering real justice. Instead, he uses authority, legal language, and intellectual tricks to silence those seeking justice.

The Moral

The story ends with a simple but powerful message:

When power and justice are controlled by those who benefit from corruption, the law becomes a tool of protection for the powerful rather than a shield for the weak.

The humorous conclusion— “If you have a chicken to give to the Qazi, he will know every trick to save you”—symbolises bribery and influence. It reminds us that when corruption enters the justice system, truth and fairness become secondary.

Relevance Today

Although this story belongs to traditional folklore, its message remains relevant in many societies. It warns that:

• Justice can be manipulated through technical arguments.
• Authority can misuse religion or law to justify unfair decisions.
• Corruption often protects those who hold power.

For this reason, the story is not only a joke but also a sharp social critique of unjust systems.

 

Understanding Quran 9/29 in Its Historical Context. Dr Shabir Choudhry, London.

 Understanding Quran 9/29 in Its Historical Context

Dr Shabir Choudhry, London.

The verse:

“Fight those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day, nor comply with what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, nor embrace the religion of truth from among those who were given the Scripture, until they pay the tax willingly while they are humbled.”

— Qur’an 9:29

This verse has often been misunderstood when read without reference to its historical context and the circumstances in which it was revealed.

To understand the verse properly, it is important to recognise that Qur’anic revelations often addressed specific political and military situations faced by the early Muslim community.

The Historical Situation

This verse appears in Surah At-Tawbah, a chapter revealed during a period of intense political and military conflict between the early Muslim community in Medina and various hostile forces in Arabia and its surrounding regions.

By this time, the Muslim community led by the Holy Prophet Muhammad had established a fragile political order. However, several tribes and external groups repeatedly violated treaties and alliances made with the Muslims.

In particular, tensions were growing with forces aligned with the Byzantine Empire, which controlled territories north of Arabia and whose Arab allies sometimes clashed with the Muslims.

Many historians connect this verse with the events that led to the Expedition of Tabuk.

The Meaning of “Fight”

The command to “fight” in this verse must be understood in the context of political conflict between states and communities, not as a universal command against all non-Muslims.

Throughout the Qur’an, warfare is generally presented as a response to aggression, treaty violations, or existential threats.

For example, other verses emphasise:

• “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress.” (2:190)
• “If they incline toward peace, then incline toward it.” (8:61)

These passages indicate that warfare was understood primarily as defensive or political, not simply religious coercion.

The Concept of Jizya

The verse refers to the payment of jizya, a tax levied on non-Muslim communities living under Muslim political authority.

Historically, jizya functioned as:

• a political tax in exchange for protection
• an alternative to military service
• a form of recognition of the authority of the state

Muslims themselves were required to pay zakat, which functioned as a religious tax. In many cases, zakat was actually higher than jizya.

Thus, jizya was not simply a punishment for disbelief but part of the administrative and fiscal structure of the early Islamic state.

The Phrase “While They Are Humbled”

The phrase, sometimes translated as “while they are humbled”, has generated considerable debate.

Some classical jurists interpreted it as a requirement for political submission to the authority of the state. Others argued that the verse simply refers to the formal recognition of the authority of the Muslim government.

Modern scholars often emphasise that the phrase reflects the language of political dominance common in ancient treaties and imperial systems, rather than a permanent theological requirement for humiliation.

A Broader Qur’anic Perspective

It is important to read this verse alongside other Qur’anic statements about religious freedom and coexistence, such as:

• “There is no compulsion in religion.” (2:256)
• “To you your religion, and to me mine.” (109:6)

These verses suggest that the Qur’an does not require forced conversion but allows the continued existence of different religious communities.

Conclusion

When read within its historical and political context, Qur’an 9:29 does not represent a general command to fight all non-Muslims. Rather, it addresses a specific moment in the development of the early Muslim state when military conflict with hostile groups had become unavoidable.

The verse outlines a political arrangement in which non-Muslim communities could continue to practise their religion while living under Muslim governance, provided they recognised the authority of the state and contributed to its financial obligations.

Understanding this context is essential to avoid misinterpretations that detach the verse from the historical realities in which it was revealed. END

Dr Shabir Choudhry is a London-based political analyst, author, and expert on South Asian affairs, with a focus on Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Kashmir.

Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com

Analyses of Surah Al Muzzammil (Chapter 73). Analytical Study. Surah Al Muzzammil as a Manual for Reform Movements, Dr Shabir Choudhry

 Analyses of Surah Al Muzzammil (Chapter 73). Analytical Study.

Surah Al Muzzammil as a Manual for Reform Movements

Dr Shabir Choudhry, London.

(Revealed in Makkah – 20 verses)

“The One Wrapped in Garments”

Translation

1. O you who are wrapped up [in garments],

2. Stand [to pray] at night, except a little,

3. Half of it — or reduce from it a little,

4. Or add to it, and recite the Qur’an in measured recitation.

5. Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.

6. Indeed, the rising by night is most effective for discipline and most suitable for speech.

7. Indeed, for you, the day is a prolonged occupation.

8. And remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with complete devotion.

9. Lord of the East and the West — there is no deity except Him — so take Him as your Disposer of affairs.

10. And be patient with what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.

11. And leave Me with the deniers, those of ease [in life], and allow them respite a little.

12. Indeed, with Us are shackles and a blazing Fire,

13. And food that chokes and a painful punishment —

14. On the Day, the earth and the mountains will convulse, and the mountains will become a heap of sand poured out.

15. Indeed, We have sent to you a Messenger as a witness over you, just as We sent to Pharaoh a messenger.

16. But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger, so We seized him with a ruinous seizure.

17. Then how will you protect yourselves, if you disbelieve, from a Day that will make children white-haired?

18. The heaven will split open thereby. His promise is ever fulfilled.

19. Indeed, this is a reminder — so whoever wills may take to his Lord a path.

20. Indeed, your Lord knows that you stand [in prayer] nearly two-thirds of the night, or half of it, or a third of it, and so do a group among those with you. And Allah determines the night and the day. He knows that you will not keep count of it precisely, so He has turned to you in mercy. So recite what is easy in the Qur’an. He knows that among you are the ill, others travelling through the land seeking the bounty of Allah, and others fighting in the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it, establish prayer, give zakah, and lend to Allah a goodly loan. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah — better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Analytical Study

1/ Historical Context: A Prophet Under Psychological Weight

The opening address — “O you wrapped in garments” — captures a deeply human moment.

After the first revelations, the Prophet ﷺ experienced awe, fear, and existential gravity. This Surah is among the earliest revelations. It does not begin with confrontation. It begins with preparation.

Before a public revolution comes private formation.

2/ Night Prayer as Leadership Training

Verses 2–7 establish a remarkable principle:

Before transforming society, discipline the self.

Night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl) is described as:

• “Most effective for discipline”
• “Most suitable for speech”

Psychologically, night solitude:

• Reduces distraction
• Deepens cognitive clarity
• Builds resilience
• Stabilises emotional turbulence

The “heavy word” (v.5) signals that revelation is not merely information — it is responsibility.

This is leadership conditioning.

3/ Spiritual Energy Before Political Struggle

Notice the sequence:

• Night discipline
• Day engagement
• Patience with opponents
• Avoid reactionary escalation

Verse 10: “Avoid them with gracious avoidance.”

This is strategic restraint, not weakness.

Early Islam did not permit physical confrontation. It was building moral architecture first.

Movements that skip internal purification often collapse under external pressure.

East and West: Sovereignty and Tawhid

Verse 9 affirms:

“Lord of the East and the West.”

This is more than theology. It is a language of a sovereign.

The Quraysh elite claimed economic and tribal authority. The Surah re-centres ultimate authority in God alone.

The believer’s psychological independence begins with recognising that no earthly power is ultimate.

5/ Pharaoh Archetype

The comparison to Pharaoh (vv. 15–16) is strategic.

Pharaoh represents:

• Political arrogance
• Economic elitism
• Prophetic rejection

The early Meccan elites are subtly warned: history repeats.

This archetype appears throughout the Qur’an — tyrants are structurally similar, even across civilisations.

6/Eschatological Shock

Verses 12–18 introduce vivid imagery:

• Shackles
• Blazing fire
• Mountains collapsing
• Sky splitting

This is moral urgency through cosmic scale.

The Qur’an destabilises complacency by zooming out to ultimate accountability.

Psychologically, it reframes immediate persecution as temporary within a larger metaphysical arc.

7/ The Freedom Clause

Verse 19:

“Whoever wills may take to his Lord a path.”

This affirms moral agency.

Faith is not coercion — it is conscious alignment.

Yet freedom exists within consequence.

8/The Softening of Law (Verse 20)

The Surah ends with extraordinary mercy.

Initially, extended night prayer was commanded.

But verse 20 relaxes the burden:

• Illness
• Travel
• Economic work
• Struggle in God’s cause

Human capacity is acknowledged.

This shows a principle:

Spiritual law in Islam is dynamic and capacity-sensitive.

Discipline is essential — but rigidity is not the goal.

Structural Themes

A. Inner Revolution Before Outer Revolution. Transformation begins with night solitude.

B. Patience Before Power. This Surah predates political authority. It prepares moral authority first.

C. Elite Warning. Comfort and ease do not guarantee protection from historical judgment.

D. Balance Between Asceticism and Engagement. Night devotion; day productivity.

E. Gradualism. Heavy burden → disciplined training → compassionate adjustment.

Contemporary Relevance

For movements, leaders, scholars, and reformers:

1. Without spiritual depth, activism becomes noise.
2. Without patience, resistance becomes recklessness.
3. Without humility, power becomes Pharaoh-like.
4. Without balance, devotion becomes burnout.

 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

 

Surah Al Muzzammil as a Manual for Reform Movements

Dr Shabir Choudhry, London.

1/Phase One: Internal Construction Before External Confrontation

The Surah begins with:

“O you who are wrapped up… Stand at night…”

This is extraordinary.

Before public speeches.

Before mass mobilisation.

Before political organisation.

There is solitude.

The Qur’anic model reverses modern activism. Today, movements begin with:

• Slogans
• Social media
• Street reaction
• Emotional mobilization

Surah 73 begins with psychological stabilisation. Why?

Because movements collapse when leaders are internally unprepared for opposition.

2/ “We Will Cast Upon You a Heavy Word”

The Qur’an describes the mission as heavy.

Modern reformers often underestimate weight:

• Social backlash
• Elite resistance
• Character assassination
• Fatigue
• Internal splits

This Surah prepares the Prophet ﷺ for hostility before hostility arrives.

Contemporary lesson:

If a reform initiative feels light and comfortable, it is either superficial or compromised.

Real reform carries cost.

3/ Strategic Patience, Not Reactive Politics

Verse 10:

“Be patient with what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.”

Notice: no immediate confrontation.

The Meccan elites were economically powerful, socially dominant, and culturally influential.

The Qur’anic response was not immediate escalation.

It was:

• Character building
• Moral credibility
• Strategic patience

Many modern movements self-destruct because they react faster than they build.

Reaction without preparation leads to implosion.

4/ Elite Capture Warning

Verse 11 refers to “the deniers, those of ease.”

In almost every society, elite classes resist moral reform when reform threatens privilege.

Today, this appears as:

• Political corruption
• Economic monopolies
• Religious commercialization
• Institutional gatekeeping

Surah 73 warns reformers:

Do not seek validation from comfort-driven elites.

Movements lose moral authority when they chase elite approval.

5/ Spiritual Depth as Political Immunity

The Surah ties night worship to clarity of speech.

Why?

Because:

• Speech shapes ideology
• Ideology shapes society
• Society shapes power

When speech is shallow, movements become populist.

When speech is rooted in disciplined reflection, it becomes transformative.

Without inner grounding, reform becomes emotional outrage.

With grounding, it becomes an ethical reconstruction.

6/ Pharaoh as Structural Archetype

The Surah references Pharaoh — not merely as history, but as a pattern.

Pharaoh represents:

• Centralized power
• Economic elitism
• Propaganda dominance
• Arrogance toward moral accountability

This archetype appears in every era.

The Qur’an’s political theory is subtle:

Tyranny is not confined to a monarchy.

It can manifest in corporations, states, institutions, or even religious authorities.

Surah 73 trains believers to recognise patterns, not personalities.

7/ Burnout Prevention and Legal Flexibility

The final verse softens the intensity:

“Recite what is easy…”

This is critical.

Movements that demand unsustainable discipline collapse.

The Qur’anic model:

High aspiration

• Human realism = Sustainable reform

Rigid perfectionism destroys long-term activism.

Compassion sustains it.

Application to Contemporary Muslim Societies

Let us be honest.

Many Muslim societies today face:

• Political instability
• Economic fragility
• Elite corruption
• Sectarian division
• Reactionary religiosity

Surah 73 suggests the solution is not instant revolution. It is:

1. Moral reconstruction
2. Intellectual seriousness
3. Spiritual discipline
4. Strategic patience
5. Resistance to elite co-option

The Surah is revolutionary — but quietly revolutionary.

A Deeper Warning

There is something profound here:

The Prophet ﷺ was prepared spiritually for 13 years before political authority was granted in Madinah.

Power without preparation becomes Pharaoh.

Preparation without power builds resilience.

Surah 73 prevents reformers from becoming what they oppose.

Linking to Today’s Geopolitical Context

In periods of regional turbulence — like what we discussed regarding the Middle East and shifting alliances — societies under pressure often:

• Radicalise emotionally
• Fragment internally
• Seek external saviours

Surah 73 rejects all three.

It insists:

Stability begins within.

Reform begins in disciplined solitude before public mobilisation.

The Ultimate Socio-Political Principle of Surah 73

Inner sovereignty precedes external sovereignty.

If hearts are unstable, power structures collapse.

If hearts are disciplined, even persecution strengthens the movement. END.